Trying to make an Iran out of Turkey

DHA Photo

Turkish students suspended from university for headscarf fight

ISTANBUL – Daily News with wires
Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Yıldız Technical University has suspended 26 students from classes pending a disciplinary investigation into a student fight over headscarves, Doğan news agency reported Monday.

“I had a lab class today where attendance is compulsory. I will not be able to attend the lab and I will fail as a consequence. How can they account for this?” asked suspended student Özgür Keskin.

Last week two student groups fought in the university over a banner decrying the wearing of headscarves in universities. A conflict flared between police and students when police asked students to remove the banner.

When the suspended students arrived at university on Monday morning, they were stopped at the gate and given a written statement, saying, “For the disciplinary investigation to be completed and to maintain peace on campus, your entrance into university is forbidden until the conclusion of the investigation.”

“Even though the investigation has started, as I have not yet been punished, there are no legal grounds for this decision. Moreover, I need to defend myself in the investigation,” Keskin said.

The suspended students include Mahir Bektaş, who was recently beaten by police for carrying banners criticizing President Abdullah Gül when he attended the university’s opening ceremony. Those suspended also include students with opposing views.

© 2009 Hurriyet Daily News
URL: www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=students-banned-from-university-for-headscarf-fight-2010-10-26