Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 8: Several students of Vishwa Bharti Higher Secondary School in Rainawari area of Srinagar today held protest against the school authorities, accusing them of barring them from wearing ‘Abaya’ (full body length cloak) inside the premises, while the school principal clarified that they simply want the students to adhere to a proper dress code.
The students gathered outside the school, raising slogans against the administration for barring their entry while wearing the Abaya. They alleged that the school administration told them that their attire was “ruining the atmosphere of the school” and suggested they go to a Madrassa.
One student expressed his shock over being denied entry “Yesterday, we were shocked to be denied entry simply because we were wearing abayas. However, thanks to the attention brought to this issue, they have now revised their stance. They asked us to adhere to the school’s uniform policy if we wish to visit the school.”
School Principal Memroz Shafi clarified that the school authorities only wanted the students to adhere to a proper dress code. “The students were allowed to wear a long white hijab or a large Dupatta, which is part of the school uniform. However, the students came wearing colourful abayas with different designs, which deviated from the uniform policy. We told them to wear a long white-colored hijab or a large dupatta as that is part of the school uniform. They come wearing colourful abayas with different designs, which is not part of the uniform,” she said.
She added that they will announce a specific colour and pattern of “Abaya” for those students who wish to wear it to school.
The Principal Secretary of school education, Alok Kumar reassured the students that they could continue wearing the “abaya,’ but he emphasized the importance of wearing the school uniform underneath. “I want to tell students that they are allowed to wear the abaya without any restrictions, but they must also wear the school uniform underneath,” he said.
After the protests, the school administration convened a meeting with parents to address the issue. During the meeting, parents expressed their satisfaction with the school Principal’s willingness to accommodate students wearing hijabs. “The principal has demonstrated a positive attitude by considering the inclusion of a designated color that corresponds with the school uniform, which would allow students to wear abayas without violating the dress code,” one parent said.
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