Syria has banned the full-face niqab veil in schools and universities. Women wearing the veils will not be allowed to register for classes at universities this fall, according to Syrian newspaper, Champress.
The report said the ban comes at the request of parents and students who are uncomfortable with full-face veils at secular universities. They say the veils create security obstacles because campus gate guards cannot verify the identity of the wearers. They further argue that niqabs obscure the movements of students, making it easier for them to cheat on tests.
Some critics see the niqab as symbols of extremism and out of line with the values of secular Syrian society. A couple of weeks earlier, teachers wearing niqabs in elementary schools were moved to administrative positions to reduce children’s exposure to the veil, according to the report.
The report said the ban comes at the request of parents and students who are uncomfortable with full-face veils at secular universities. They say the veils create security obstacles because campus gate guards cannot verify the identity of the wearers. They further argue that niqabs obscure the movements of students, making it easier for them to cheat on tests.
Some critics see the niqab as symbols of extremism and out of line with the values of secular Syrian society. A couple of weeks earlier, teachers wearing niqabs in elementary schools were moved to administrative positions to reduce children’s exposure to the veil, according to the report.