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A private school run by a Christian management in Palluruthy here was forced to declare a two-day holiday on Monday after a dispute escalated with the parents of a Class VIII student over her wearing hijab.
An official of the school PTA alleged that the parents were supported by the pro-Islamic political organization Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and that its members misbehaved with the school officials, mostly nuns.
SDPI has not yet responded to the allegations.
The matter came to light when a letter issued by Sister Helena Albi, Principal of St. Rita Public School, announcing holidays on Monday and Tuesday, surfaced on social media.
In the letter, the principal said that due to the pressure of a student coming without the prescribed uniform, her parents, some people associated with the school, some students and staff members sought leave citing mental stress.
The letter said that as a result, the decision to declare October 13 and 14 as holidays was taken after consultation with the executive members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
It said, “Our aim is to provide quality education in accordance with the rights of freedom and school management guaranteed by the country and we look forward to your continued cooperation.”
PTA member Joshi Kaithavalappil told PTI that the school has followed a uniform dress code for the last 30 years and students from all communities follow it.
“However, the parents of a student insisted on sending her with her head covered. Recently, they arrived at the school with a group and created a ruckus, causing panic among students and teachers. Hence, we decided to declare a two-day holiday,” he said.
Kaithavalappil said the school management had approached the Kerala High Court seeking police protection and got a favorable order. “The people who came to the school claimed to be from SDPI and did not behave properly with the sisters,” he alleged.
Addressing the media, the girl’s father said that his daughter has joined the school this academic year.
“The school claims equality was affected because she wore a headscarf. Earlier, she was asked to remove it inside the classroom, but now they have started raising objections even at the school gate,” he said.
He said that he has lodged a complaint with the District Education Officer and the concerned Minister. “If they don’t allow her to cover her head, we will take her to another school.”
Principal Sister Helena told reporters that a student had expressed concern about maintaining uniformity in the school.
He said the school has a prescribed dress code and the student’s parents were informed about it at the time of admission.
“The student had no objection to the uniform for about four months. But recently, she started wearing an additional piece of clothing over it,” he said.
The principal told that earlier the student used to keep extra clothes in her bag. “Recently, the student’s mother contacted us and we reminded her about the instructions given at the time of admission,” he said.
The principal said that on October 10, the student had come wearing the same clothes. He was then taken to a conference room in the presence of a teacher and his parents were called.
“The parents, accompanied by about six people, reached the school and created a ruckus here. They recorded the video during school hours while other students were watching,” said Helena.
Helena said that education department officials came on Monday and investigated.
He further said that there are other reasons for declaring holidays. “The teachers and staff were under a bit of stress and needed a break. Besides, students were given leave to prepare for the examinations starting on Wednesday. The school will reopen on that day,” he said.
Meanwhile, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said that dresses that alter the prescribed school uniform will not be allowed and the uniform applies equally to all students.
He said that the school management should handle such issues with a sense of responsibility and avoid actions that could escalate the situation.
The minister also said that he has not yet fully understood the matter and has directed the District Education Officer (DEO) to investigate.
BJP leader Shon George visited the school on Monday and met the management in the evening.
“We have expressed our support to the church and the sisters here. The BJP will ensure legal and political support for the smooth functioning of the school,” he said.
George alleged that SDPI was trying to incite communal sentiments among children and urged the organization to desist from such actions.
He also criticized other political parties for remaining silent on the issue. “When SDPI threatened the nuns, no other political leaders came forward. Congress MPs and MLAs who raised voice over incidents in Chhattisgarh and North Indian states were not seen here. Will they react only when sisters in North India face problems?”
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