Austria’s New School Rules: The Hijab Ban Explained

Starting September 1st, 2026, Austrian classrooms will look a bit different. A new regulation has been passed, banning girls under 14 from wearing religious headscarves in schools. With the February semester break just wrapping up, the government is now launching an awareness campaign to prep families for the big shift coming next school year. The ban targets any ideological or religious clothing that covers most of the hair or head.

The authorities aren’t playing around when it comes to enforcement. First-time offenders’ parents will be called in for a serious talk, but repeat violations could lead to hefty fines ranging from €150 to €800. While the majority of political parties backed the move, the Greens and human rights activists are raising red flags, fearing that this might clash with constitutional rights and the fundamental freedom of religion.

As you can imagine, the internet and local communities are divided. Proponents argue that the headscarf can be a symbol of patriarchal pressure and that the ban empowers young girls to grow up with more autonomy. On the flip side, critics and activists point out that a ban doesn’t protect girls—it discriminates against them. They argue that true freedom of choice should include the right to express one’s faith through clothing without fear of being penalized.

This isn’t Austria’s first attempt at such a law; back in 2019, the Constitutional Court struck down a similar ban. Everyone is now watching closely to see if this new version will stand the test of legal scrutiny. In the end, the goal should be an inclusive education system where every student feels respected, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

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