A plan to allowed female staff to teach preliminary boys’ classes is sparking controversy in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi educational system separates boys and girls, whether at schools or in universities.
The Ministry of Education said that the plan is still under study, pending final decision.
An ad hoc committee has been set up to discuss the possibility of eliminating gender-based segregation in the first, second and third grades and allowing female staff to teach them. The committee has been instructed to submit a report within three months.
Those opposing the move on social media have been using the hashtag 'we will not let you westernize Saudi education'.