Hundreds of students in veil and their supporters filled the Banjul high court as five schools are sued for D20 million for allegedly banning students from wearing veils to schools.

The schools sued are Gambia Senior Secondary School, St Therese’a Upper Basic School, Reverend J C Faye Memorial School, St Peter’s Senior Secondary School, Charles Jow Memorial.

The students who sued the schools are requesting 20 million dalasi monetary compensation for all the emotional stress students endured – and seeking an order from the court to declare the denial to wear veils in school as unconstitutional and a violation of their fundamental human rights.

They said action of the schools caused them emotional distress and embarrassment for the forceful removal of their veils – demanding the courts to direct the Ministry of Education and the Attorney General Chambers to take necessary measures including the passing of laws to ensure schools across the county allow the wearing of veil including tertiary educational schools.

However, the sued schools have filed their statement of defence denying that they acted inappropriately. 

Meanwhile, presiding judge, Justice Jaiteh of Banjul high court, has adjourned the case  to 20th June 2023 for the hearing and determination.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba