Ban on hijabs in Azerbaijan's schools sparks wave of protests

Ban on hijabs in Azerbaijani schools triggers a wave of protests

A series of protests took place in several cities and regions of Azerbaijan after schoolgirls wearing hijabs were barred from attending classes. In a show of support for their classmates, students are refusing to attend lessons, while parents are demanding that children not be deprived of their right to education over religious clothing. Amid the conflict, law enforcement officers have detained 37 people.

The catalyst was the school uniform requirements approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 309 of September 21. While the document contains no explicit ban on the hijab, its provisions are being applied in practice to headscarves. However, the resolution does not provide for a separate measure of suspension from classes for violating dress code requirements.

According to JAM News, protests were held outside schools in Baku and other settlements. In some educational institutions, students boycotted classes, demanding that girls in hijabs be allowed to attend. Parents also stated that they would not send their other children to school if their classmates continued to be suspended from lessons.

On October 12, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the detention of 37 people and the initiation of a criminal case under Article 233 of the Criminal Code — concerning the organization of actions that violate public order, or active participation in them. According to the ministry, the detainees entered into conflicts with educational staff, damaged schools, and attempted to disrupt their operations and block traffic. However, the ministry did not specify the circumstances of each episode or the age of the detainees.

The dispute over dress code requirements affected not only schoolgirls but also teachers. Following the approval of separate rules for teachers on October 6, reports emerged of pressure being exerted on female teachers wearing hijabs in Baku and Sumqayit. According to local media, some were asked to remove their headscarves or submit a letter of resignation.

The authorities explain the restrictions by the need to adhere to a uniform school dress code and the secular nature of education. Opponents of the ban believe that its implementation restricts children's access to classes and infringes upon freedom of religion.

The protest against the restrictions also spread beyond Azerbaijan. On October 3, a demonstration was held outside the country's consulate in Istanbul, with participants speaking out against the restrictions related to wearing the hijab.