Mangaluru : The Campus Front of India staged a protest against St. Agnes College at Bendoor, on Monday alleging that it was not allowing students to wear the hijab.
The controversy over restrictions on Muslim students wearing hijab or head scarf in classrooms.
They shouted slogans demanding that the college should allow it, with some women, among the protesters, declaring: “hijab is my dignity.”
Speaking to reporters outside the college, Riyaz, State committee member of the Campus Front of India, alleged that the college had barred three women from wearing the hijab.
A delegation of the organisation went to meet the principal on Saturday to discuss the issue. But they were allegedly not allowed to meet her.
Mr. Riyaz said that wearing a hijab is the religious right of Muslim women. “They do not wear a burqa inside the classroom. But the three women have been made to remove their hijab. The fight for the rights of women would continue.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the principal Jeswina said: “St. Agnes College is a minority institution catering to women’s education in particular. We respect every student who chooses to study here. The management has framed rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline. Accordingly, the college rule states that the students are not permitted to wear a headscarf inside the classroom. However, we have no objection if they wear it outside. Students and parents are aware of this rule before seeking admission in our college. Yet some students have gone on a protest without even submitting memorandum. If there are any issues with any student, the management will settle the matter with the students and their parents,” the statement said.
The college has been accredited with A-plus by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It has been recognised as the College with Potential for Excellence by the University Grants Commission. It has received Star College status by the Union government.