Syrian Kurds ban niqab in schools in northeast Syria
The decision to ban the niqab at schools by the US-aligned Syrian group has angered some Arab constituents.
A recent decision by the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria banning the niqab in schools in the areas under its control has raised public controversy.
The Autonomous Administration announced in an official circular issued Oct. 23 that all students attending schools in its areas of control shall adhere to each of the school’s uniforms and refrain from wearing the niqab on campus, while also banning the use of cellphones in classrooms.
The decision prompted protests in Deir ez-Zor province and nearby areas.
Media sources in northeast Syria who spoke to Al-Monitor said that many parts of Deir ez-Zor, which is under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), witnessed large demonstrations against both the corruption and the decision of the Autonomous Administration to ban the niqab in schools.
