Kolkata: The board of studies (BoS) of the English department at Jadavpur University suggested that the HOD, Saswati Halder, sorted out the hijab controversy with students through dialogues.
The English department held its BoS meeting on Friday to discuss the hijab row.
A professor said, "The BoS suggested to the department head to sort out the matter through talks as students' religious sentiments were hurt. While the HOD was performing her duties, professors acknowledged the questions asked to students while conducting the check were irrelevant and inappropriate. The situation was avoidable. The professor concerned also reportedly understood. The board advised her to apologise but left it to her discretion."
Discontent spread after the English HOD asked two UG 3 girls to remove their hijabs during an exam on Dec 22 on suspicion of cheating. Two days later, some JU English students walked up to the convocation stage, holding posters saying, "No space for Islamophobia in JU".
The university authorities formed a probe panel and the state minorities commission held talks with the VC, suggesting the HOD should stay off the campus till the hijab probe was over.
HOD Halder reportedly tabled her detailed report, which she sent to the VC and pro-VC, at the board of studies meeting. A source said, "Professors expressed concern over the ‘cheating epidemic' in the department. They discussed possible respectful protocol for checking electronic devices and other things during exams." A professor said, "The teacher-student trust deficit needs to be addressed."