Russia: Vladimir Oblast bans hijab in some schools

The regional education authorities of Vladimir Oblast, Russia, have implemented new dress code rules prohibiting students from wearing clothing that displays religious affiliation, including the hijab. According to the new policy, schoolgirls are barred from covering their heads or faces in educational institutions.

The local Ministry of Education and Youth Policy stated that the change aims to uphold “religious neutrality and the secular nature” of schools and will take effect within a week. Officials clarified that the ban aligns with the Russian constitution and applies to all religious symbols, not targeting Muslims specifically.

Vladimir Oblast, located about 200 km east of Moscow, has a predominantly Russian population with less than 1% identifying as Muslim. Reports suggest other regions in Russia have adopted similar policies, citing security reasons.