Palluruthy hijab dispute: Parents plan to shift daughter to new school

Kochi: The parents of an eighth-grade student asked not to wear a hijab at St Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy have decided to transfer her to another school.

Her father told PTI that the girl has been under severe stress since the incident and does not wish to return. “We are respecting her wishes,” he said. The family is in talks with other schools, and one has already agreed to admit her.

The controversy began when the school cited its dress code policy to object to the hijab. On October 10, the parents and others questioned the management, giving a two-day school holiday. The Kerala High Court later ordered police protection for the school.

While General Education Minister V Sivankutty initially criticised the school, he later said the matter was resolved amicably and asked the management to avoid remarks against the government or education department.

St Rita’s Principal, Sister Heleena Alby, said "If our student returns adhering to the rules and conditions of the school, we are ready to provide her education and help her complete her studies as promised on the first day. We are wholeheartedly ready for that and hope the best will happen".

The principal declined to take further questions, saying the matter was before the court. "We respect both the court and the government. It will continue so. Please spread cultural harmony, peace and love," she said.

"It will be difficult for any educational institution to function without the support of the education department," she said.

Sr Heleena said the school provides an “Indian way” of education, blending cultural and traditional values. "Beyond the curriculum, we teach our students the traditions of India and Kerala, the importance of humanity, and the need to protect the environment. We teach them to make India 'Sare Jahan Se Acha' (Better than rest of the world ),” she added.