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Azerbaijan is facing growing controversy over school dress regulations, with reports of students being turned away from classrooms and teachers facing restrictions on wearing the hijab.
The dispute follows two government decisions adopted in September and October, neither of which explicitly bans the hijab, although reports indicate that some schools have applied the regulations to restrict religious headscarves.
On Sept. 21, Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers adopted Decision No. 309, amending existing uniform requirements for students in public schools.
The amendment prohibits clothing items that undermine the standard school uniform or conflict with the secular principle of public education.
A separate regulation, Decision No. 325, adopted Oct. 6, established dress requirements for teachers, including professional attire consistent with secular education.
Neither regulation explicitly mentions the hijab, but reports of their implementation have prompted controversy.
According to JAMnews, some girls wearing hijabs have been denied entry to classrooms in Baku and other parts of Azerbaijan.
The outlet reported demonstrations involving students and parents, including protests outside schools in Baku and the Masalli district.
Separately, Toplum TV reported on Oct. 8 that teachers in several schools in Sumgayit had been instructed to remove their headscarves or submit resignation letters, citing teachers who requested anonymity.
The Baku City Education Department announced Oct. 9 that schools would be monitored for compliance with dress regulations.
It said enforcement was intended to establish a disciplined, orderly and equal educational environment. The department also emphasized that school administrations oversee compliance, while parents are responsible for ensuring that students attend school in the required uniforms.
Azerbaijan's state broadcaster AzTV has also addressed the controversy, emphasizing the country's Muslim identity and secular system.
On Oct. 12, Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry announced that 37 people had been arrested in connection with incidents surrounding the enforcement of school uniform requirements, according to a statement carried by APA.
The ministry accused those involved of confronting school employees, damaging educational facilities and disrupting public order.
A criminal case was opened under Article 233 of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code, concerning actions that disrupt public order.
The ministry's allegations have not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly provided details about the identities of all those arrested.
Criticism has focused on whether enforcement of the regulations interferes with religious expression and students' access to education.
Reports of girls being turned away from classrooms and teachers facing possible dismissal have raised questions about the practical consequences of the dress requirements.
Although Azerbaijan's constitution establishes the secular character of the state and its education system, it also guarantees freedom of religion.
The dispute centers on how the government interprets and enforces secular dress requirements and whether students wearing religious headscarves can continue attending classes.
The full extent of the reported restrictions, including the number of affected students and teachers, remains unclear.
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