The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn its 2022 order that prohibited Muslim students from wearing hijabs in pre-university colleges, a decision celebrated by students who had protested against the ban. This change allows students to wear limited religious symbols alongside their uniforms, addressing the educational challenges faced by those affected. The hijab controversy began in late 2021 when six students from Government Pre-University College in Udupi protested against the restriction. Their actions sparked widespread protests and communal tensions across the state. Many students, such as Aliya Assadi and A H Almas, faced significant disruptions in their education due to the ban, with some dropping out or switching to private colleges. Almas, who lost a year of education, now pursues a B.Sc degree, while others like Muskan Khan dropped out entirely. Critics of the government's delay in reversing the ban argue that it reflects political maneuvering rather than genuine concern for students' rights. The reversal is viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring that Muslim girls can pursue their education without discrimination.