A controversy erupted in Logroño surrounding a student of Pakistani descent who was banned from attending classes at Práxedes Mateo Sagasta institute because of her hijab. The 17-year-old girl found herself in the spotlight after refusing to remove her headscarf despite the school’s new policy.
At the start of the academic year, the school administration introduced a ban on head coverings, directly affecting seven female students. Six complied and removed their hijabs to attend lessons. However, one student chose to stand her ground, arguing that such measures undermine her right to education and religious identity. She pointed out that the school’s regulations do not explicitly prohibit the hijab, and considers the administration’s demand to be unfair.
The situation quickly escalated beyond the school’s walls. Within days, protesters gathered outside the institute in support of the student. An online petition calling for the ban to be lifted was launched and quickly attracted widespread attention. At the time of writing, more than 8,000 people had signed in support.
In La Rioja, the Muslim community makes up about 7.6% of the population, and no similar incidents had previously been reported in the regional capital. The girl shared that she had previously attended another institute in the city where such problems did not arise. She chose this school for its international baccalaureate program, but now faces a choice: either take off her hijab or lose the opportunity to study in the chosen program.
The school’s internal regulations do not explicitly ban religious headscarves; however, the administration refers to a rule prohibiting headwear inside the building. The school management has threatened further disciplinary action if the girl continues to break the new rules. Repeated violations could result in her expulsion and loss of access to the international baccalaureate program.
The girl did not give up and, together with like-minded supporters, organized a protest outside the school. She was joined by students from other educational institutions as well as representatives of community organizations. Despite the support, she acknowledges that she is forced to temporarily comply with the requirements to avoid losing two years of study. However, she continues to fight for her rights and calls on the public not to remain indifferent.
This incident has once again raised the issue of the limits of religious freedom in Spanish schools and how far internal regulations within educational institutions can go. Regional authorities have so far refrained from intervening, citing the autonomy of schools, but public debate continues to intensify.
