Egyptian ministry of education enforces ban on niqabs in schools

Cairo, Egypt – The Egyptian Ministry of Education has officially prohibited the wearing of niqabs by students in schools across the country, effective from September 11th.

This decision also extends to head coverings, which will now be optional for students, provided they do not obscure the face. Furthermore, students who choose to wear any form of head covering must have their guardian’s consent,the ministry revealed.

As a result of these new regulations, students found wearing the niqab or any other garment that contravenes these prohibitions will be denied entry into their educational institutions. This move marks a significant departure from Egypt’s historical stance on permitting niqabs in educational settings, particularly in universities.

While the issue of niqabs in schools has been a subject of controversy in the past, the recent decision has not generated as much public uproar as expected. Several local media outlets have reported on these prohibitions, which are part of a broader set of preparations for the upcoming 2023/2024 academic year, slated to commence on September 30th. These measures apply to both public and private schools throughout the country.

Among the additional changes reported for the new academic year are a ban on smoking within school premises, a prohibition on assigning homework to kindergarteners, and a restriction on camera phones for both students and teachers.

These sweeping reforms signal a significant shift in Egyptian education policy and have sparked discussions nationwide about the balance between religious freedom and the need for standardized regulations in educational institutions.