Canterbury is facing a wave of backlash after Ken McEwen’s (Head of Security at UC) controversial decision to ban keffiyehs from graduation ceremonies was announced earlier this week.
The policy, introduced by regional education authorities, prohibits graduates from wearing the traditional Middle Eastern scarf alongside their academic regalia as it “did not count as cultural wear”. Officials stated the move was intended to “maintain neutrality and uniformity” during formal proceedings, but many students and community members argue it unfairly targets cultural and political expression.
Students for Justice in Palestine Canterbury (SJP) took to Instagram to shed light on the matter, calling it “overtly racist and an indefensible, conscious promotion of Islamophobic ideology.” Petitions circulating online have quickly gained traction, drawing support from both local and international communities.
The ban reflects a broader tension around freedom of expression in educational spaces. Supporters of the policy, however, argue that graduation ceremonies should remain apolitical events.
Education officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated they are open to reviewing the decision, though no immediate changes have been confirmed.
As ceremonies approach, uncertainty remains over whether the policy will stand. For many students, the issue has become about more than just attire—it has turned into a question of belonging, identity, and the right to be seen at a defining moment in their lives.
