It is estimated that a paltry 100 women in the Netherlands choose to veil themselves with the burqa, a sign of modesty among Muslims.
But the Dutch Education Minister obviously think there is more than meets the eye. He is pushing forward legislation that will ban this veil in the vicinity of schools. It will thus be applicable to women coming to drop or pick up their children as well as classroom teachers.
The Minister insists the veiled women can be security threats and are also a threat to the environment of openness and transparency educational institutions are committed to fostering.
If such legislation goes through smoothly, expect it to be extended to other public areas promptly. Muslim women will, however, still have the option of donning head scarves as long as their faces remain visible.