A Christian-run private school in Palluruthy, Kerala declared a two-day holiday on due to a dispute over a student wearing hijab. The school, St Rita's Public School, faced pressure from parents and others when it objected to an eighth-grade student wearing a head covering. The principal, Sister Heleena Alby, cited mental stress among staff and students as the reason for the closure. The school maintains it has followed a uniform dress code for 30 years. The student's father claims his daughter only started this academic year and was initially asked to remove the hijab in class. The Education Minister, V Sivankutty, stated that altering school uniforms will not be allowed and has ordered an inquiry into the matter. (Updated 13 Oct 2025, 23:21 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- A Christian-run private school in Palluruthy, Kerala declared a two-day holiday on due to a dispute over a student wearing hijab
- The school, St Rita's Public School, faced pressure from parents and others when it objected to an eighth-grade student wearing a head covering
- The principal, Sister Heleena Alby, cited mental stress among staff and students as the reason for the closure