TRNC President Defends Schoolgirls Wearing Hijabs: “It’s a Personal Choice!”

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, has once again weighed in on the ongoing debate over the wearing of headscarves in schools. Following a recent controversy where a student was barred from attending classes because she wore a hijab, the president called for respect and non-discrimination based on religious beliefs.

The incident took place at Irsen Küçük Secondary School in Nicosia, where a girl wearing a hijab was reportedly not allowed into class, with school authorities citing internal regulations.

The decision sparked a spontaneous protest by parents. Tensions ran so high that the school principal reportedly fainted during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, the teachers’ union is calling for the resignation of the Minister of Education, advocating for a strictly secular approach to education.

“Wearing a headscarf is a personal choice,” President Tatar said during a live interview with Kıbrıs Postası TV. “Students should not be marginalized or discriminated against because of their decisions.”

He also pointed out that different countries approach the issue in various ways — citing Sweden and Switzerland as examples — and emphasized that the TRNC government is working toward a fair and balanced solution.