In an unexpected move, Loreto College in Mullingar, Westmeath County, faced backlash as the ‘Global Justice Club’ urged all staff and students to don hijabs on Thursday, labeling it as Hijab Awareness Day. The management, seemingly contradicting Catholic traditions, mandated the practice, dismissing it as a non-negotiable requirement.
Adding to the surprise, Muslim students were enlisted to assist those unfamiliar with hijab, with plans for tutorials during break and lunch. The compelled nature of the directive raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about potential shifts within the Catholic institution. Although government statistics report only a two percent Muslim population in Ireland, social media users express concerns about a rising number of face-covered individuals, suggesting a larger societal shift. Allegations of external funding supporting media involvement in this perceived change circulate online, fueling the controversy.