After claiming that their schools “forcefully” had them take off their headscarves, female Muslim students from five different schools in Gambia filed a lawsuit against them in the high court in Banjul.
Christian schools are included in the lawsuit, but the majority of their students are Muslims.
The students, who claim that their schools’ alleged acts caused them severe pain and disgrace, are seeking more than $300,000 (£238,000) in damages.
The pupils also claimed that the reported instances harassed them and infringed their basic human rights.
Additionally, they are requesting that a law be passed allowing them to wear veils in classrooms.
The principal of one of the schools was contacted by the BBC, but they declined to respond.
Despite having a majority of Muslims, The Gambia also contains a small minority of Christians.
