World Bulletin / News Desk

Cairo University has issued a decision banning female members of its teaching staff from wearing the Islamic full face cover (niqab) while lecturing students, arguing that the move is for the good of the educational process, according to a news article in Al-Masry Al-Youm.

Female members of the teaching staff and assistants at the universitys colleges and institutes are not to be allowed to give theoretical or practical lectures, or to attend labs, while wearing the niqab to ensure good communication with students

The ban was issued by Doctor Gaber Nassar, the President of Cairo University, reported Aswat Masriya Arabic.

In a statement, Nassar stated that the decision was made to improve education and communication between students and their instructors and was in benefit for the wider public.

Several student and teacher groups said the decision could have a negative impact and doubted its applicability.

Mohamed Kamal, a professor at Beni Suef University, speaking with Al-Masry Al-Youm has  that the measure is at odds with many constitutional provisions, claming that that was racist to a particular dress code that does not conflict with the law or social traditions .