Will the Kerala school principal welcome the student back after the hijab controversy?
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Synopsis
In a recent controversy surrounding a student's hijab at St. Rita's High School, the Principal expressed a warm welcome for the student if she decides to return. This incident has drawn significant attention from government officials and sparked discussions on educational policies and cultural values.
Key Takeaways
- The Principal of St. Rita's High School is ready to welcome back the student involved in the hijab controversy.
- Concerns were raised by the student's father regarding school policies on religious attire.
- State Education Minister V. Sivankutty has criticized the school's handling of the situation.
- The school emphasizes its commitment to cultural values and environmental protection.
- Legal matters regarding the situation are ongoing, necessitating respect for the legal system.
Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Principal of St. Rita's High School, located in Palluruthy near Kochi, expressed on Friday that the school would eagerly welcome the student if she chooses to return.
This institution has been embroiled in controversy over the past week after the father of an eighth-grade student voiced concerns about his daughter's inability to wear a hijab.
The private school officials stated that wearing a hijab contravened their policies. The situation escalated when State Education Minister V. Sivankutty demanded an urgent report from district education authorities.
At that point, although the girl's father had agreed to follow the school’s regulations, the minister's firm stance led to the student not returning to classes.
According to sources, the girl's parents are now reluctant to send her back.
On Friday, Sivankutty reiterated his strong disapproval of the school management's approach, accusing them of trying to politicize the issue.
“There is a deliberate attempt to shift blame to the government. The management should not challenge the state,” he cautioned, warning that those responsible for the situation must be held accountable.
Following Sivankutty's remarks, the Principal expressed her gratitude to the High Court and their legal advisor for their support.
“We also extend our thanks to the Education Minister. Our goal is to elevate our students. We also appreciate Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who intervened in this matter, as well as our MLA K. Babu and Shone George (BJP leader), who were present when this issue arose. Our church leaders also supported us, along with the media,” stated the Principal.
“If the student decides to return, we are fully prepared to embrace her and hope for a positive outcome. We provide an Indian-centric education that honors Indian and Kerala culture. Beyond academics, we instill human values and the significance of environmental protection,” the Principal added.
“There are ongoing legal matters, and we will continue to respect the legal framework and the government,” concluded the Principal.
Point of View
We must maintain an unbiased stance, focusing on the implications of this incident within the broader context of educational policies and cultural sensitivities. The situation reflects a complex intersection of personal rights and institutional regulations, necessitating a thoughtful dialogue among all stakeholders.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the hijab controversy at St. Rita's High School?
The controversy was initiated when the father of an eighth-grade student raised concerns regarding the school's policy that prohibited his daughter from wearing a hijab.
How has the state education minister responded to the situation?
State Education Minister V. Sivankutty criticized the school for its handling of the situation and emphasized that the management should not politicize the issue.
What is the principal's stance on the student's return?
The Principal has expressed a strong desire to welcome the student back to the school and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing a supportive educational environment.
