According to the French education minister, about 300 students appeared to school on Monday wearing the abaya, a long Muslim robe that was prohibited in schools last week.

The majority of the girls consented to change their outfits.

Official records show that 298 girls, mostly aged 15 and higher, showed up to school wearing the prohibited clothing.

Following the ministry’s directions, there was a time of communication with school staff in each case.

The majority of the females then decided to dress differently and were permitted to begin classes.

67 girls, however, refused to comply and were sent home.

A new round of discussions with their families will now take place. If it fails, they will be kicked out.

In comparison to the 12 million schoolboys and girls who began classes on Monday, the administration feels the data prove that the prohibition has been widely accepted.

However, a judicial challenge filed by an organization representing some Muslims is scheduled to be heard later today.

The education minister declared at the end of August that students in France’s state-run schools will be prohibited from wearing the loose-fitting full-length robes used by some Muslim women beginning on September 4th.

Religious signage are strictly prohibited in state schools and government buildings in France, stating that they contravene secular rules.

Since 2004, wearing a headscarf at state-run schools has been prohibited.

The decision follows months of controversy around the wearing of abayas in French schools.

The garment is increasingly being worn in schools, causing a political schism, with right-wing parties campaigning for a ban and those on the left concerned about the rights of Muslim women and girls.

Hijab campaign tweets were removed following an outcry in France.
The Islamic veil is being worn across Europe.
France banned full-face veils in public in 2010, infuriating France’s five million-strong Muslim community.