Kolkata teacher resigns over 'no hijab' at college, misunderstanding, says governing body
Times of India | 11 June 2024
KOLKATA: A teacher at a private law college affiliated with the University of Calcutta resigned and ceased attending classes following an incident where the institute authorities allegedly asked her to refrain from wearing a hijab at work.
However, as the issue became public and caused an uproar, the college authorities claimed it was a misunderstanding.They announced that she would return on June 11 after withdrawing her resignation.
Sanjida Qadar, who has been teaching at LJD Law College for the past three years, resigned on June 5. This followed an alleged request from the college authorities asking her not to wear a hijab at work after May 31.
"The diktat from the college governing body offended my values and religious sentiments," she remarked.
Sanjida had been wearing the hijab to work since March-April, and the issue escalated in the past week.
After her resignation became public, the college authorities contacted her, stressing that it was merely a miscommunication. They clarified that they had never banned her from covering her head during working hours.
"I received an email from the office on Monday. I will analyze my next steps and then decide. But I am not going to the college on Tuesday," she mentioned.
The email clarified that the dress code for all faculty members is periodically reviewed. It stated that she was free to use a dupatta or scarf to cover her head while teaching.
College governing body chairman Gopal Das told PTI, "There was no directive or prohibitionn and the college authorities respect the religious sentiments of every stakeholder. She will resume classes from Tuesday. There is no misunderstanding. We engaged in prolonged discussions with her. The initial developments were the result of some miscommunication," he said.