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Syrian Kurds ban niqab in schools in northeast Syria

The decision to ban the niqab at schools by the US-aligned Syrian group has angered some Arab constituents.
A Syrian teacher shows letters on a board at school in the village of al-Shamatiyah on the ourskirts of Deir ez-Zor, Syria, Feb. 7, 2018.

A recent decision by the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria banning the niqab in schools in the areas under its control has raised public controversy.

The Autonomous Administration announced in an official circular issued Oct. 23 that all students attending schools in its areas of control shall adhere to each of the school’s uniforms and refrain from wearing the niqab on campus, while also banning the use of cellphones in classrooms.

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