Headscarves Not “In the Clear” Yet

The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), appealed to the Constitutional Court on Wednesday morning (27 February) for the permission to wear headscarves at university to be overturned.

411 for, 112 against...

The appeal was also supported by the MPs of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and independent MP Kamer Genc. The total number of MPs signing it was 112.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), together with the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) had passed constitutional amendment of Articles 10 and 42 in parliament on 9 February.

Article 10 is concerned with equality before the law, and Article 42 with teh right to education.

411 MPs had voted for amending the constitution.

On Friday, 22 February, President Abdullah Gül ratified the amendments.

The CHP is arguing that the amendments violate Article 2 of the constitution and request the court overrule them and prevent their application.

The appeal cites court decrees from 1989 and 1991, as well as decisions by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Özcan and rectors clashing

Meanwhile, disagreement has been growing between Yusuf Ziya Özcan, the president of the Higher Education Council (YÖK) and university rectors.

After Gül’s ratification, Özcan had called on rectors to allow students wearing headscarves onto campuses at the beginning of the week, which was at the same time the beginning of the academic spring semester.

There were different reactions, as a few universities across the country allowed students to enter with their heads covered, but most rectors refused permission.

It was argued that there needed to be a change in YÖK law, specifically Article 17 dealing with attire, before rectors would allow the students in. Many may also be awaiting the decision of the Constitutional Court.

After an extraordinary meeting of the Inter-University Council (ÜAK) today (28 February), the rectors called on Özcan to resign or on President Gül to take him from office.

In addition, the CHP has filed a criminal complaint against Ozcan for abusing his position and inciting people to disobey laws.” (EÜ/GG/AG)