Watch video: Hijab wearing girl students denied entry to school in Jodhpur enraging parents

New Delhi: In a reminiscent incident of the 2022 Karnataka controversy, school authorities in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, have stirred outrage by refusing entry to Muslim girl students wearing hijab, citing a strict dress code policy. The incident has sparked fury among the parents of the Muslim students affected.

Incident at Pipar's government high school 

The ordeal unfolded at Government High School No. 2 in Pipar on Saturday, where Muslim girl students were reportedly denied access to the school premises by their teachers, invoking the institution's dress code regulations.

In Rajasthan's Peepar town, Parents confronted the school authorities after Muslim girls were thrown out of the school for wearing Hijab. Hijab wearing students were allegedly called 'robber of Chambal' and threatened their marks to be reduced if they wear hijab. pic.twitter.com/jfIDTXWk1Y

— Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) February 17, 2024

Parents confront school administration

Upon learning of the incident, parents rushed to the school to confront the administration and demand clarification. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the teachers displayed inappropriate behavior towards the girl students. One parent even reported that a student was disparagingly referred to as 'chambal ka daku' (bandit of Chambal), heightening tensions.

"We are threatened and tortured everyday," said Hijab wearing students after they were thrown out of school. pic.twitter.com/qHbASl63iP

— Waquar Hasan (@WaqarHasan1231) February 17, 2024

Hijab or head covering?

Parents vehemently contested the school's stance, asserting that their children merely wore head coverings, not hijabs, and were compliant with COVID-19 safety measures by wearing face masks. A video capturing the confrontation between the parents and the school principal has since gone viral on social media platforms.

Echoes of Karnataka controversy

This episode echoes a similar controversy that erupted in Karnataka during the BJP administration in 2022. Numerous schools and colleges in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts faced scrutiny for barring Muslim girl students from attending classes, citing violations of dress code policies. The issue spiraled into a political maelstrom, with both BJP and Congress engaging in heated debates.

The refusal of Muslim girl students to attend school due to attire restrictions underscores the complexities surrounding religious freedom and educational policies. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by minority communities in navigating societal norms and institutional regulations.