Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jun 29: In the wake of protest against St Agnes College from a section of students and Campus Front of India (CFI) over the issue of wearing headscarf (hijab) inside the classroom, the college management on Friday June 29 issued a clarification, stating that no student had been suspended contrary to media reports.
Addressing a press meet at St Agnes College, principal Sr Dr Jaswina said, "No student has been suspended from the college after the protest over wearing hijab in the classroom. In fact, all students who went on protest on Monday June 25, including Fathima Anis Sheikh of third BCom who spoke to the media in front of the college gate, were present in the class the very next day and all have continued to attend the classes till today. On Wednesday June 27, all those students who were part of the protest without prior information were asked to give explanation in writting in the presence of their parents within three days.
"As the principal of the college, I would like to tell the public that I have not taken any signature from any student on blank paper," she said.
"The dress code regulation states that the student should wear the uniform prescribed by the college. No other attire is permitted in the college premises throughout the working hours. No student should wear the headscarf. Students should not cover their faces or wear any clothes except the prescribed college uniform inside the campus.
"Admissions of the students are made only on the basis of those regulations among other requirements. The students and their parents have agreed to abide by all the rules and regulations of the college. We respect every student who chooses to study here. We would like to continue this cordial relationship with our faculty, students, parents, alumni, and the public and promote friendly environment in the campus," she added.
Answering a question on whether there was outsiders' interference in this issue, she said, "Of course, we believe there was. The girls who participated in the protest later came to us and apologized stating that they were being dragged into the matter. Actually, the CFI members called us outside the gate for some discussion. But when we reached there, suddenly they shouted slogans against the college. We never thought this would happen. We are forced to speak to the media."
The principal further clarified, "There are rumours that I did not accept the memorandum given by the students. But this is baseless. I myself told the students to give any complaint in writing. But I received a letter on a letterhead of an outside organisation without any name and signature. I told the students I am not here to solve the issues of outsiders. I told the students to I was working for them and if they have any complaints they should approach me with a written complaint."
Anis, father of student Fathima Anis Sheikh was also present in the press meet. "This is an issue that could be resolved between the management and the parents. I am not supporting the interference of outsiders. I have known this institution for the past twenty years, and I agreed to all terms and rules of the college when admitting my daughter here. I have great respect for St Agnes Institutions. My daughter was brainwashed by others to speak to the the media against the college. But now she has realized her mistake," he said.
Naureen, vice-president of the St Agnes commerce forum said, "A student of another college in the city created a WhatsApp group called 'Justice for scarf and Namaz'. Over 160 students are there in this group. They added me too and sought support, but I left the group because I felt the intention was only to spread hatred. But the group is still active and some people from outside are brainwashing the students on such religious matters."
Sr Maria Roopa, joint secretory, St Agnes College, Sr Dr Venissa, vice-principal, S Malavika, dean, administration and others were present.