Students and parents protested outside NG Acharya and DK Marathe College in Mumbai’s Chembur area on Wednesday after the college denied entry to students wearing burqas or hijabs over their uniforms. The college recently introduced uniforms for Class 11 and 12 students and prohibited the wearing of burqas, hijabs, skull caps, and headscarves.
A Class 11 student shared her experience of being stopped from entering the college gates because she wore a burqa over her uniform. Since then, the administration has not allowed students to enter unless they wear the designated uniform. While most students agreed to wear the uniform, they requested that headscarves be allowed.
According to Faizan Qureshi, a member of Shiv Sena, the students are willing to wear the uniform and have already paid for it. The majority of students in the college are Muslims, and if they are not allowed to wear burqas, it may hinder their education as the college is the nearest option for many slum-dwellers in the area.
One of the residents, Bilal Shaikh, explained that the students had requested permission to enter the college and change out of their burqas in the washroom as they felt uncomfortable removing them in public. However, the college authorities denied their request.
In response to the protests, the police held a meeting with the principal, parents, students, and teachers. The principal has agreed to make a separate room available for girls to change out of their burqas before entering the classroom. Although the police state that students wearing hijabs or burqas will be allowed entry, there are concerns that this arrangement may only be temporary.
Jayashree Jangle, the college’s vice-principal, did not respond to requests for comment.
The issue of uniforms and religious attire in educational institutions has often sparked debates worldwide. While dress codes are put in place for various reasons, it is essential to strike a balance that respects cultural and religious practices while maintaining a fair and inclusive learning environment. Both sides of the argument need to be considered while finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved.
In this case, it appears that the college administration initially enforced a strict uniform policy, leading to protests from students and parents. However, after a police meeting, the college has agreed to provide a separate room for girls to change out of their burqas. It remains to be seen whether this arrangement will be a permanent solution or whether further discussions will take place.
It is crucial for educational institutions to create an environment that fosters acceptance and understanding, ensuring that students of all backgrounds feel comfortable expressing their religious beliefs while adhering to reasonable guidelines.
