Kochi: The latest hijab controversy at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Ernakulam, has drawn sharp criticism from Deepika’s editorial, which called for an end to the ongoing drama and emphasized respect for court directives. The editorial highlighted a pattern, noting that those who advocated for prayer rooms in Christian schools last year have now pushed for students to wear hijabs, creating unnecessary agitation. It suggested that community leaders should step in to curtail such theatrics that threaten the secular and democratic fabric of society.
Deepika stressed that school managements have the authority to determine uniforms, and no prior incidents had warranted hijab demands until now. The editorial urged parents insisting on special dress codes to consider transferring their children to schools that accommodate such requirements, rather than disrupt the majority of students’ educational experience. Currently, around 450 students from different religious backgrounds, from pre-KG to Class 10, study at the school, following uniform regulations without conflict.
The editorial also critiqued the role of political silence in emboldening religious activism within schools, warning that children should not be exposed to extreme religious indoctrination under the guise of identity or prayer. It stated that governments and courts must remain vigilant to prevent such influences from shaping young minds toward fanaticism.
The controversy erupted when an eighth-grade student was barred from class for wearing a hijab. Following a complaint by the student’s father, the Ernakulam Deputy Director of Education investigated and identified lapses in the school’s handling of the matter. Education Minister V. Sivankutty intervened, emphasizing that students have the right to continue their education without discrimination, and instructed the school to provide an explanation.
Despite the minister’s involvement, the school authorities requested a reconsideration of his directive. Principal Sister Helena clarified that the Deputy Director’s report contained inaccuracies, reaffirming that the student has not been expelled and continues to attend school alongside other Muslim students who follow uniform rules. She confirmed that the management would soon meet the student’s father to discuss the matter further.
School lawyer Adv. Vimala commented that the Education Minister acted on a matter already being reconciled between the school and the student’s parents, suggesting that the intervention overlooked the school’s efforts to resolve the issue amicably. The minister later clarified that the government’s policy is to uphold equality, discourage discrimination, and encourage resolution at the local level.
Deepika’s editorial concluded by urging all parties to prioritize the welfare of children over political or religious posturing, warning that allowing such disputes to escalate only risks promoting religious fanaticism and undermining the secular values of education.