Kazakh private schools risk losing licenses over hijab policy VIDEO

Private schools in Kazakhstan could lose their licenses if they allow female students to wear hijabs, Kazakh Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said.

“We have a single school uniform. All our schools must comply with these rules and these approaches. Yes, such cases do occur. We are working with them, together with the National Security Committee. 

We have a large commission that meets jointly with akims, akimats and local executive bodies. So yes, as of the beginning of the current academic year, there are no such schools anymore. Last year, however, there were such schools, including private ones,” the minister noted.

Kazakhstan has required mandatory school uniforms since a 2016 Ministry of Education order that explicitly prohibits clothing elements indicating religious affiliation, including hijabs, to uphold the secular character of education and prevent any perceived religious propaganda in schools. 

The policy has faced ongoing resistance from some religious families, leading to court challenges, parental fines, and reports of girls dropping out or shifting to private options or home schooling in various regions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada