Cambridge University to allow burqas during graduation ceremony

Cambridge University, which follows a strict dress code, will allow female Muslim students to wear burqas under their mortar boards during graduation ceremonies.

The university has a strict dress code for the prestigious events at the city's Senate House building, which all students must adhere in order to, be allowed to graduate.

The university strictly warns students that the code "is strictly enforced at ceremonies, and if you do not observe it, you may not be permitted to graduate on a particular occasion." But the stringent laws were first challenged in 2005 when Scottish students demanded to be allowed to wear kilts, The Sun reported.

Cambridge University issued a clarification to say certain items of national dress, military uniform and religious garments, including the burqa, were allowed. University spokesman said on Friday that burqas could be worn under mortar boards, but no one had requested it yet.

"Religious dress and cultural observations are allowed at graduation. If a student has a religious or cultural obligation to wear something then we absolutely respect that," he said.