Mangalore university changes rule, imposes total ban on headscarves, sparks protest

MANGALURU: The decision of the Mangalore University syndicate to amend the existing uniform rule and impose a total ban on headscarves on the entire campus, including within classrooms, has met with resistance and criticism from both students and faculty members.
The syndicate is the governing body of the university. The rule applies to the varsity's six constituent colleges.
Earlier, Muslim girls at University College, one of the colleges, were allowed to cover their heads with uniform shawls. University College principal Anasuya Rai told TOI that they have asked Muslim girls to abide by the syndicate's decision.
The Muslim girls said argued that the rule cannot be implemented in the middle of an academic year as it disturbs the status quo.
Irked by a few Muslim girls not adhering to the new rule, University College's student union, backed by ABVP, staged a protest on Thursday demanding a complete ban on the hijab on campus. Senior professors said the MU syndicate body should have formed a review committee before enforcing the rule.