Protests after Prakasam school mistakenly accused of denying entry to hijab-wearing students
The school clarified that it has never prevented students from wearing hijab. Circle Inspector Deva Prabhakar said the school management explained to the students and parents that the school correspondent has no grudge against the hijab. The school correspondent also apologized.
By Amrutha Kosuru Published on 22 Feb 2022 3:20 PM GMT
Prakasam: A private school in Yerragondapalem in Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district reportedly barred female students wearing hijab from entering the school. Several people gathered at the school to protest against this move. However, later, it was revealed that the school had not denied the students entry.
This comes amid the Karnataka Hijab row.
The protestors claimed that female students were not being allowed in the school as they were wearing a hijab. Tension prevailed at Vikan Public School campus until the mandal education officer Anjaneyulu and a few police officers intervened. Parents alleged that a school correspondent questioned a group of girls wearing hijab and said they can only enter the school without a hijab.
According to circle inspector Deva Prabhakar, there was a communication gap between the school and the parents. "The school correspondent merely said they can remove their hijab if they are feeling uncomfortable. He did not demand they remove the hijab and neither did he say they would not be allowed into the school premises if they wear a hijab," Mr. Prabhakar explained.
The school clarified that it has never prevented students from wearing hijab.
The inspector said the school management explained to the students and parents that the school correspondent has no grudge against the hijab. The school correspondent also apologized.
Mr. Prabhakar said sometimes students remove their burqa or hijab in a room before entering the classes. "The school correspondent asked the students to remove their hijab if they wanted to. However, the issue has been resolved," he added.
The mandal education officer instructed the school to ensure such misunderstandings do not happen again.
This comes days after two Muslim girls were not allowed into their college in Vijayawada, AP.
