With all of the current discussions happening today, this is not where most would think a burqa ban would be put in place.
The Syrian minister of higher education has prohibited the entrance of veiled female students into universities and colleges throughout the country, news agencies reported Sunday.
Dr. Ghitath Barakat explained that the donning of face veils, which cover everything but the woman's eyes, "opposes the morals and values of the academy".
Barakat's decree followed similar ones approved by a number of European parliaments, including Belgium and France.
Reports say the minister's decision was prompted by complaints made by a number of parents, who said the women wearing the burqas – traditional dresses that cover the entire body – should be satisfied by simply adopting modest dress.
