JEDDAH, 28 January 2003 — Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, which caused controversy by barring an Egyptian girl for wearing a head scarf (hijab), has said it is abandoning its policy of a total ban on head scarves with immediate effect.
The school adopted the decision in response to the firm stand taken by the Education Department in Jeddah and the public outcry created by the reports on the issue published by Arab News.
The school, established by the British and Dutch embassies, also contacted the father of Lujain, the girl denied entry last Ramadan for wearing the hijab, and told him his daughter could rejoin the institution.
"The school has decided to adopt a formal policy permitting the wearing of hijab with immediate effect," said Julian Johansen, chairman of the school’s board of governors, in a press statement issued on Sunday night.
Johansen said the decision was taken after consultations with the headmaster and the board members.
"Previously, the school never had to consider the issue of girl pupils wearing hijab, as the problem had not arisen," the statement said, adding, "the school continues to cooperate with the responsible authorities in the Kingdom in all aspects of its management."
"As a courtesy, Lujain’s family has been informed of this decision. They have been invited to discuss Lujain rejoining the school, if she and her family feel that is appropriate," Johansen said.
Arab News has learned that Abdullah Al-Howaimil, director of education in Jeddah, ordered an investigation of the school management to consider punishing the officials who took the controversial decision to ban hijab.
The school is under the Education Ministry’s supervision, and banning hijab is a violation of the ministry’s rules and regulations for foreign schools as well as Saudi custom and tradition.
Lujain’s father, Tarek Mohammed Muneer, told Arab News that he had been confident from the beginning that Saudi authorities would take a firm stance. He thanked Arab News for taking up the issue.
