Azerbaijan schools turn away girls in hijabs after new dress code

Azerbaijan school administrators began denying entry to girls wearing hijabs on October 12. The action followed new dress code regulations adopted in September that prohibit clothing deemed inconsistent with school uniforms or the principle of secular education. The rules do not explicitly mention headscarves, but enforcement has targeted girls wearing the Islamic head covering.

Ten-year-old Khadija, a student in Azerbaijan, stated she will not remove the garment. "I will never give up my hijab. It is my pride, not a barrier to education," she said.

Protests have erupted across the country in response to the restrictions. Schoolchildren have joined demonstrations against the ban. Amnesty International condemned the measures as discriminatory and requested the release of individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights.

Marie Struthers, director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, addressed the issue on October 16. "Denying girls access to classrooms because they wear a hijab is discriminatory and violates their rights to education, and the freedoms of religion and expression," Struthers said.

Freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran Mahmoud El-Yousseph criticized the response from Western women’s rights organizations. He noted that while some groups have spoken out, the issue requires more sustained public attention. El-Yousseph argued that defending a woman’s right to choose must include supporting her right to wear the hijab.

El-Yousseph also questioned the silence of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents 57 member states. He observed that the organization has not issued a public response to the ban. He asked what value solidarity holds if it disappears when Muslim girls need it most.

El-Yousseph wrote that secular education should not exclude children based on religious dress. He stated that no girl should have to choose between her faith and her education. The author concluded by urging readers to let Khadija learn, wear her hijab, and make her own choice.