Austrian schools enforce head covering ban for young girls

Austrian school authorities are addressing approximately 90 violations after implementing a new ban on headscarves for girls under 14 in schools across western and southern Austria, with schools in the east enforcing the rule for two weeks longer due to an earlier school start date.

Two teachers and two school principals described how they are responding to the new regulations. The ban aims to prevent religious symbols in classrooms, with some students now opting to wear hoodies instead of headscarves.

Officials reported one complaint and around 90 pending violations with education directorates.