Azerbaijan Faces Backlash Over School Dress Code Banning Headscarves

Azerbaijan is experiencing widespread controversy following the tightening of dress code regulations in public educational institutions. Authorities state the measures aim to preserve the secular nature of public education. However, the implementation has drawn criticism, with reports of veiled female students being denied entry to schools and teachers being asked to remove their headscarves or resign.

Viral videos show crying female students leaving their schools, accompanied by reports of student protests and class boycotts in solidarity. The images have ignited public anger and debate over the extent of secularism in education and the rights of female students and teachers to wear the hijab. Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shia Muslim country, officially adheres to a secular system and maintains full diplomatic relations with Israel.

The current controversy stems from recent school uniform decisions. In July, President Ilham Aliyev signed an amendment to the education system. On September 21, the government approved changes to public school uniform rules, prohibiting attire that deviates from the uniform or what authorities deem the secular character of public education. Further regulations on October 6 extended these requirements to teachers, mandating attire consistent with a secular educational system.

While the regulations do not explicitly ban the hijab, their general wording on secularism and uniforms allows for varied interpretations by school administrations. Reports indicate that school educational councils determine whether certain clothing items comply with the rules, leading to instances where students are asked to remove head coverings to enter classrooms.

Student protests have extended beyond those directly affected, with reports of students boycotting classes in several schools to protest the ban on their veiled peers. Al Jazeera released footage in late September of students allegedly denied school entry due to their hijabs, followed by further documentation on October 10 of protests and class boycotts.

The repercussions have also impacted female teachers. Media reports from Sumgayit and School No. 90 in Baku's Ramana district indicate teachers were given an ultimatum: remove their hijabs or resign. One report detailed the dismissal of a veiled teacher from School No. 90, with a video showing students crying and hugging her upon her departure.

The controversy has moved beyond educational institutions. Imprisoned journalist Bulad Aslanov announced a hunger strike in protest of the new restrictions, citing the right to education and the right of teachers to work. He stated the restrictions infringe on his child's right to education and contradict the constitution. Separately, cleric Aghgul Suleymanov, who criticized the hijab restrictions, was sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention in September. Reports also surfaced of widespread internet restrictions, including disruptions to social media platforms, fueling speculation about attempts to curb the spread of protest news, though no definitive proof exists.

The crisis has extended internationally, with a protest held in front of the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, demanding the cancellation of the restrictions. This issue holds particular sensitivity in Turkey, which has a history of political and social disputes over hijab bans in public institutions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously spoke out against headscarf bans in schools in some countries as a violation of women's basic rights, though he did not name Azerbaijan, likely referring to Western European nations.