Principals call for clarity on hijab policy

THE Government must give clearer advice to schools about the wearing of the hijab (veil) by female Muslim students and other areas of concern thrown up by cultural differences, principals warned yesterday.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has asked Integration Minister Conor Lenihan to look at dress codes and cultural and religious diversity in the development an intercultural education strategy.

Mr O’Keeffe said yesterday he was not aware of any school preventing a student from wearing the hijab, in a response to reports the department had been indecisive in answering concerns on the issue from schools.