Azerbaijan is facing a surge of unrest following the implementation of new school uniform regulations that have effectively barred veiled students and teachers from educational institutions. The interior ministry reported the arrest of 37 individuals accused of inciting public disorder, and criminal investigations have been launched. The controversy stems from government directives issued in September and October intended to enforce a standardized dress code in line with secular education policies. Although the hijab is not explicitly banned, the enforcement of these rules has prevented veiled girls from attending classes. In Baku and other regions, students have boycotted lessons in solidarity with their peers, and teachers have reported being pressured to remove their headscarves. While authorities defend these measures as necessary to uphold the secular nature of schools, critics argue that the implementation infringes upon the rights to freedom of belief and access to education.