Nation-wide outrage: Dean refuses to hand excellence award to student wearing Palestinian keffiyeh

During the ceremony, the dean, a guest of honor, withheld the award from the student, accusing her of “engaging in politics.” The student, adamant in her stance, refused to remove the keffiyeh, leading the dean to leave the stage. Eventually, the school director intervened to present the student with her certificate.

Criticism swiftly followed from the Casablanca branch of the National Union of Higher Education and Scientific Research, condemning the dean’s actions as “irresponsible” and a violation of “academic freedom of expression.”

In response, students at the Higher School of Technology called for an investigation and measures to prevent future incidents. They emphasized that wearing the keffiyeh is a peaceful expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, protected by Moroccan laws and international human rights standards.

The students said that this act caused dismay and anger among the attendees, including faculty members, parents, and students. They considered it “an insult to the academic and human values upheld by our educational institutions.”

The student body also expressed solidarity with the honored student, affirming her right to recognition for her academic achievements. 

This incident reflects a broader trend in Moroccan universities where students use the keffiyeh at graduation ceremonies to show support for Palestine. However, practices vary among institutions, with some permitting it while others impose restrictions.

Recently, students from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University protested against the sudden cancellation of their graduation ceremony after planning to wear the keffiyeh. Though the school said “technical problems” were behind the sudden decision, students doubted it was due to potential displays of solidarity towards Palestine.

Similar incidents have also been reported by students at Rabat’s Faculty of Letters and Humanities.