Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Mohamed Saad Berrada, has intervened in a recent case involving a high school student who was prevented from attending classes due to wearing a niqab.
The minister issued instructions for her immediate reintegration so she can continue her studies without disruption.
The incident occurred in the commune of Ida Ou Guelloul, in Essaouira province.
The student, a first-year baccalaureate candidate, had reached out to the National Federation of Parents’ Associations of Morocco (FNAPEM) after being barred from attending school over her choice of dress.
In her letter, the student stated that the exclusion violated her legitimate right to education and noted that she had not breached any school regulations.
She also noted repeated attempts to contact her school administration, the provincial directorate, and the regional academy, but despite receiving a written summons to return to school, she had not been able to fully exercise her right to attend classes.
Alerted to the situation, FNAPEM raised the matter with Minister Berrada during a recent meeting.
In a statement released on Thursday, the federation confirmed that the minister ordered the student’s reinstatement.
Berrada noted that “handling such situations must be carried out within the school itself and in a responsible educational framework.”
At the same time, human rights organizations issued a joint statement condemning the measure as “lacking any legal basis.”
They criticized the administrative decision as a serious violation of the right to education, individual freedom, and the principles governing school life.
The organizations called for the student’s immediate reinstatement and urged guarantees that she can continue her studies free from discrimination or pressure, while acknowledging the efforts made to resolve the case.
