Protest Erupts in France Over Ban on Muslim Attire in Schools
PARIS: A flurry of discontent has swept through French high schools as both teachers and students unite to denounce the government’s decision to outlaw the abaya and khameez – traditional, loose-fitting garments worn by Muslim individuals. Taking center stage, the protesters insist that this discriminatory policy must be promptly discarded, claiming it reeks of Islamophobia. In a show of solidarity, the protest commenced on Wednesday, effectively disrupting the learning and teaching activities at Maurice Utrillo High School in Staines.
The audacity of the authorities to dictate our attire is baffling. Put an end to the stigmatization endured by students opting for the abaya or khami. It is disheartening to witness the lack of action taken to address their concerns, while they suddenly find the time to impose a ban on these garments. Uniting alongside their children, parents, too, have actively participated in the strike. France, home to the largest Muslim minority in Europe, has long grappled with controversies surrounding religious symbols.
A further incident occurred on Monday when several girls wearing abayas were turned away from their schools. The French educational system strictly forbids the display of religious symbols, extending to the wearing of crosses or Jewish symbols as well. The prohibition of headscarves was enforced back in 2004, followed by a ban on face coverings in public in 2010, both of which ignited widespread protests across the nation.
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India, too, has witnessed similar events and ensuing controversies, as the ban on hijabs in Karnataka schools caused an uproar. Several educational institutions choosing to adhere to the school uniform code and not allow the hijab triggered a massive protest, eventually escalating the issue to the highest judicial authority, the Supreme Court. The debate surrounding hijabs continues to provoke impassioned discussions in the country, with many viewing the ban as an infringement upon personal rights.
PARIS: French high school teachers and students took to the stage to protest the government’s decision to ban the abaya and khameez (long, loose clothing worn by Muslim men and women) in public schools. The protesters demanded that the French government abandon its Islamophobic policy. The protest started on Wednesday by stopping learning and teaching. The protest took place at Maurice Utrillo High School in Staines.
The police should not decide our clothes. Stigmatization of students who wear abaya or khami should be stopped. There were no teachers to teach them for months. No action was taken in that regard. But the students said they found time to ban the wearing of abayas. Parents also took part in the strike. France has the largest Muslim minority in Europe. There has been controversy before regarding religious symbols.
On Monday, several girls wearing abayas were sent back without being admitted to school. Religious symbols were strictly forbidden in French schools. The wearing of crosses or Jewish symbols was also previously prohibited. In 2004, the headscarf was banned in schools. In 2010, face coverings were banned in public. The bans sparked protests in France.
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Similar events took place in India. There was a big controversy after the ban on wearing hijab in schools in Karnataka. There was a big protest when some schools took a stand to follow the school uniform code and not wear the hijab. The incident then reached the Supreme Court. The hijab debate has sparked a huge debate in the country. Many also saw the ban as an infringement on rights.
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