Cairo's Ain Shams University and Fayoum University prohibited female professors from teaching if they wear the niqab, Al-Arabiya reported Thursday (September 30th). The two universities will allow the professors to teach if they show their faces.

Professors declining to show their faces will not be fired from their posts, but will no longer be allowed to teach. They will "have the right to do research and any other academic activities," said Maged al-Deeb, president of Ain Shams University. Al-Deeb said the decision would take effect during the current academic year.

"The face veil hinders contact between the professor and students," said Ahmed al-Gohary, president of Fayoum University. "In this case, it no longer becomes a personal freedom since the professor imposes it in the classroom and violates the rights of her students," said al-Gohary.

One year ago female university students were prohibited from wearing veils during examinations.