Head scarf row: St Agnes College clarifies

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 29, 2018: The St. Agnes College in Mangaluru  which is embroiled in a head scarf row following recent protests by some Muslim students, has come up with a clarification at a press meet on June 29, Friday.

 

Addressing press persons, Sr Jeswina AC, Principal of the College has clarified that the College   lecturers have  not  pulled off the scarf of any student  nor has touched it  at any point of time.

She clarified that  no student has been suspended  from the institution. "In fact the students who had protested in front of the college gate on June 25, 2018 as well as the third year B.Com student Fathima Anis who spoke to the media,  have been attending classes from the very next day in regular uniform prescribed for the students," Sr Jeswina said.

 

"The  students who had protested  against the college rules had been asked to  give a written clarification within three days in the presence of their parents. Apart from this, neither me nor any lecturer has secured  signatures of the students on blank papers," she further clarified.

Sr Jeswina said the College has a dress code  for students since several years and the same is mentioned in the college handbook for the information of the students and parents. The students as well as parents agree to the college rules and sign the same during admission. "As per the college rules the students have to wear the prescribed uniforms and cannot wear scarves or cannot cover their faces," she said add added that the College respects every student and wants to create a conducive atmosphere  for learning. She also pointed out that the institution has been  empowering   women since 98 years through value  based education.

She also made it clear that there was no question of the college compromising on the values that it has been advocating and nurturing in the educational interests of the students.

Sr Dr Venessa AC, Vice Principal, Malavika Adyantaya, Dean (Administration), Charles Staney Pais, Registrar Dr Maria Roopa AC, Joint Secretary, Anees, father of student Fathima and many others were present.