The use of clothing in schools that violates the ‘principle of secularism’ is prohibited
Anger is growing in Azerbaijan after girls wearing hijabs were banned from schools under new rules on school uniform.
Students and teachers have staged demonstrations, while dozens of people have reportedly been arrested and users report disruptions on social media. He reports it to Jazeera.
The amendment passed last month did not explicitly ban the Islamic headscarf, but it prohibited the wearing of clothing in schools that the government says violates the “principle of secularism.” The decision sparked protests, with some schools starting to prevent students and teachers from attending classes.
Azerbaijan’s state news agency Apa said the change to the uniform regulation for students of state general education institutions aims to ensure a uniform dress code that reflects the country’s “secular principle”. About 96% of Azerbaijan’s population identifies as Muslim. Its constitution defines the country as secular, while guaranteeing religious freedom.
The APA added that, for the celebrations, clothes that reflect “the history, culture and national and moral values of the Azerbaijani people” may be worn, subject to approval by the Pedagogical Council, which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Education. It claims that such attire ensures that teachers meet “professional standards” and will have positive effects on the “public reputation of the school”.
