Mumbai: College bans hijab, burqa in classrooms; sparks controversy
What's the story
The NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Mumbai's Chembur has found a middle ground for its burqa and hijab ban after protests by Muslim students and their parents sparked controversy, reported India Today. This comes after the junior college on Wednesday barred entry to female students wearing burqas due to its newly implemented dress code.
Statement
Burqa, hijab will be prohibited in classrooms
In a statement on Wednesday evening, the college said girl students will be allowed to enter college wearing a burqa, hijab, or scarf, considering their dignity and safety. However, they will need to remove it in the washrooms before attending classes. The girls can again wear the banned pieces of clothing after leaving the classrooms.
Quotes
Everyone agreed to uniform earlier: College principal
Speaking about the ban, college principal Vidyagauri Lele told India Today that the dress code was communicated to the parents in advance. In a meeting on May 1, Lele told the parents that the burqa, hijab, scarves, and stickers were going to be prohibited on campus. "At the time, everyone had agreed to the dress code. But they are protesting now," she added.
Ban
Students claim they were unable to access washrooms
On Tuesday, the female Muslim students claimed they were not permitted to enter the college or access the washroom where they would have changed into their college uniforms. Reportedly, college authorities made announcements on public announcement systems regarding the implementation of the dress code for the past two days.
More information
College has 294 Muslim girls
According to the Free Press Journal, the college has 2,366 students enrolled in the junior section, of whom 294 are Muslim girls. This is the first time since its establishment in 1978 that the college has announced a dress code— shirt and trousers for boys and salwar, kameez, and jacket for girls. However, the degree college attached to the institution has no such rules.