A controversy has erupted in Egypt over a government ban on wearing the niqab on college campuses. At the University of Cairo, security officials refused to allow women with full face veils to enter certain buildings.
The decision prevents the female students from attending class and proceeding with their studies. Outlawed women contend that their personal freedom has been compromised.
Earlier this week, the head of the Islamic Al-Azhar Univeristy, Mohammed Tantawi, announced his intention to ban the niqab. An Egyptian lawmaker has called for the resignation of Tantawi, who also serves as the nation’s top religious authority. But the Minister of Higher Education defended the ban, saying that the decision was intended to protect the students.
Jamal El-Shayyal of Al Jazeera English reports from Cairo.
Should governments and other institutions rein in freedom of expression by dictating what people can wear?
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10/10/2009 :: 08:27:24 PM
B. Kelly Says:
In my opinion, all women everywhere should be able to wear whatever they want to wear, whether it’s a niqab or something else. It’s that simple. That’s called freedom.