Teachers in Northern Cyprus Continue Their Fight Against New School Disciplinary Code

Teachers in Northern Cyprus are continuing their opposition to a newly enforced school disciplinary code, which includes strict dress code rules — among them, regulations on wearing the hijab. Educators have warned that if the new rules aren't repealed, more protests will follow.

This time, teachers are taking their demands directly to parliament. The Cyprus Turkish Teachers’ Union (KTÖS), the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS), along with supporting organizations, political parties, and trade unions, have announced plans to "ignite the flame of resistance" in front of the Parliament building today at 6:00 PM in protest of the new regulations.

The organizations stated that unless the government withdraws the changes made to the disciplinary code, they will escalate their actions — potentially leading to a general strike.

Last week, the Council of Ministers in the TRNC approved the “Regulation on Rules and Discipline to Be Followed in Secondary Schools and Educational Institutions, Both On and Off Campus.” The regulation officially came into force following its publication in the Official Gazette. Among other measures, it includes provisions regulating the wearing of hijabs by female students.

This controversial regulation had previously been approved but was later withdrawn for revision after public outcry. It has sparked widespread debate and dissatisfaction, particularly among teacher unions. Just last week, a large protest took place in Nicosia, with around 13,000 people and 40 organizations participating.