American Univeristy in Cairo retracts on-campus niqab ban

The American University in Cairo (AUC) retracted a decision banning women form wearing the niqab, a full face veil, on its campus premises after students and faculty members voiced their concerns.

Less than a week ago, the AUC announced that it will prevent female students, faculty members and workers from donning the face veil on campus and inside lecture halls, a local news report said.

The university retracted their decision through email, saying that they will allow the niqab after some students and staff members expressed concerns over the ban, and were “affected” by the decision.

People opposing the ban argued that it goes against the university’s policies, Masrawy news website reported.

Meanwhile, supporters of the ban claim that the step is aimed at boosting security.

The university said its security policies and procedures will guarantee the safety of all students and faculty on its campus.

In 2016, Cairo University, Egypt's premier public university, imposed a ban on staff members from wearing the niqab. The decision, which triggered huge controversy at the time, said the reason for the ban was because it hindered direct communication with students.