English is the last dept that can be called ‘Islamophobic’, say JU profs
Times of India | 26 December 2025
Kolkata: Jadavpur University English department was the last department that could be called ‘Islamophobic', pointed out teachers from the department, opposing the protest by some students at the convocation on Wednesday. Some JU English students walked up to the stage during the convocation, holding posters, saying, ‘‘No space for Islamophobia in JU".
The chairperson of the minority commission is scheduled to meet the university authorities on the issue on Tuesday.
The English department held an online meeting against the action of the students but no statement was issued on Thursday. The teachers unanimously objected to the way the reputation of the department's teachers as well as the university were tarnished by the act. A professor, belonging to the minority community, also spoke against the department being called ‘Islamophobic' even as he pointed out the strong bond he shared with his colleagues. Another professor said the matter was disturbing for the entire English department as they never encouraged any sort of discrimination.
JU VC Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said, "We may form an inquiry committee to find the actual truth. The matter is sensitive and we have taken it seriously. But we need to listen to both sides and the teacher concerned should be given a chance to explain herself." Welcoming the minority commission chairperson to JU, he said he would definitely speak to them.
The issue was triggered by an incident on Monday, when two UG 3 girls were asked to remove their hijabs on suspicion of cheating during an exam. The two lodged a complaint with university officials.
An English department professor said, "It is unfortunate to be called ‘Islamophobic' when we are the most liberal and diverse department, with faculty members from different religions. We are very respectful towards each other." Another teacher from the department said, "I couldn't sleep at night as the word kept coming back. It must be a misunderstanding that we will sort out with the students shortly."
The students had demanded a student-teacher committee meeting, which will be held on Friday.