Unrepentant

Student Removes Headscarf: First Complaint Filed

“The headscarf ban for children up to age 14 must be enforced,” the statement reads.(Bild: P. Huber)

In Lower Austria, a complaint has now been filed for the first time regarding a violation of the headscarf ban for female students up to their 14th birthday, which has been in effect since the start of the school year.

It happened at a school in the Neunkirchen region: Following discussions with the student in question, her legal guardians, and the Department of Education, a complaint has now been filed for violating the headscarf ban for students under 14.

“Different Cases”
The family now faces fines ranging from 150 to 800 euros. Further charges are possible in the event of continued violations. Other cases are currently at various stages of the legally prescribed procedure. Further discussions on this matter are scheduled with the Department of Education in the coming days. If the headscarf ban continues to be violated even after these discussions, these cases will also be reported to the authorities in accordance with legal requirements.

Governor Mikl-Leitner: “A Clear Stance!”
Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner: “The headscarf ban is about protecting our young girls. They should be able to grow up freely and on an equal footing with boys. That is why we in Lower Austria are ensuring that the protection of young girls in our state is consistently enforced. However, I maintain that the federal government should follow Lower Austria’s independent approach and raise the fines for those unwilling to integrate to up to 2,500 euros. Then people will think twice—or even three times—before ignoring the applicable rules.”

Our schools know what to do.

Bildungslandesrätin Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister

Violations will be punished
State Education Minister Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister: “Our schools know what to do. Teachers and school administrators are instructed to document violations in detail and to take the prescribed steps immediately. At the same time, they receive close support from the State Education Directorate. Our goal is uniform and consistent implementation throughout Lower Austria. The vast majority are complying with the new legal requirements. Where that is not the case, we are proceeding step by step according to the established procedure. Our schools can count on the state and the Department of Education to stand behind them in implementing these measures.”