Mumbai : Acharya Marathe College in Chembur has has issued a dress code notice to its degree college students ordering a ban on the hijab and other religious symbols on the college premises.
The notice, which was reportedly shared via WhatsApp to second and third-year students, cautions them to dress modestly in formal attire. For male students, the dress code specifies either a full or half shirt with regular trousers while female students are advised to wear modest Indian or western attire.
The new guidelines notice explicitly state that hijab, niqab, and burqa are not allowed on campus. Furthermore, the college’s directive stipulates that ‘burqa, nikab, hijab, or any part of dress which reveals religion like badge, cap, stole” must be removed in a common room upon the student’s arrival on the college premises. College authorities refused to comment. Last August, the college introduced a uniform policy. Under that, the boys are required to wear shirts and trousers, while girls are expected to don salwar, kameez, and a jacket. Following this change, the institution barred junior college students who wore hijabs and burqas from entering the campus.
The decision sparked anger among Muslim students, Some have even appealed to the college authorities to reconsider the dress code. The situation reportedly escalated when security guards initially prevented burqa-clad girls from entering the college, leading to a standoff that attracted attention.
Acharya Marathe College in #Chembur, #Mumbai imposed restrictions on objects of clothing with religious significance, specifically mentioning #Hijab, #Niqab and #Burqa its degree college.
Students alleged college management Intentionally targeting Burqa and Kurta Paijama… pic.twitter.com/t59lbjdFBS
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) May 16, 2024
College principal Vidya Gauri Lele also justified the dress code policy, stating that it was communicated to students well in advance. She claimed that the uniform code was introduced to ensure uniformity and prevent discrimination based on caste, religion, or class.
In August 2023, the college found itself embroiled in controversy when several junior college girls wearing hijabs were denied entry for non-compliance with the prescribed uniform. ( With Agencies Inputs )