Morocco: a high school student banned from class because of the niqab, the minister intervenes

The incident took place in the commune of Ida Ou Guelloul and concerns a student enrolled in the first year of the baccalaureate. After being denied access to the school due to her choice of clothing, the young woman contacted the National Federation of Parents’ Associations of Morocco (FNAPEM). She argued that this exclusion violated her legitimate right to education, assuring that she had not violated any school regulations. Despite her attempts to dialogue with the local administration and the regional academy, she had not been able to resume her studies.

A management that must remain "internal" and "responsible"

Alerted, the FNAPEM brought the case directly to the minister during a recent meeting. The federation confirmed that Mohamed Saad Berrada had given instructions for the student to be reintegrated without delay in order not to interrupt her academic path. On this occasion, the minister stressed that "the management of such situations must be carried out within the school itself and in a responsible educational framework".

In parallel, human rights organizations have issued a joint statement to denounce the initial exclusion. They described the administrative decision as a measure "devoid of any legal basis" and a violation of individual freedom. These associations have called for guarantees that the student can study without being subjected to pressure or discrimination.