German Court Rules Niqab Ban in Schools Justified

A Düsseldorf court upheld a school's decision to prohibit a student from wearing a niqab, citing the need for open communication in education.

The Düsseldorf Administrative Court ruled that a 17-year-old student cannot wear a niqab during school lessons, rejecting her and her parents' legal appeal.
The court emphasized that full-face veils impede both verbal and nonverbal communication, which are essential for achieving educational goals and evaluating participation.
Judges stated that the state's educational mandate justifies limiting the student's religious freedom in this context, as open communication is a core component of schooling.
The decision highlighted that existing laws in North Rhine-Westphalia are sufficient to enforce such bans, without requiring specific legislation on face coverings in schools.
The ruling is not final, and the family may appeal to the Higher Administrative Court in Münster for further review.