Kolkata College Clarifies Miscommunication After Teacher Resigns Over Hijab Issue
11.06.2024: A recent incident at LJD Law College in Kolkata has sparked significant attention after a teacher resigned, alleging she was instructed not to wear a hijab at the workplace. The college, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, has since clarified that the issue arose from a miscommunication.
The Incident
Sanjida Qadar, a teacher at LJD Law College for three years, resigned on June 5. She claimed that the college authorities had asked her to refrain from wearing a hijab at work after May 31, which she found offensive to her values and religious sentiments.
Response and Clarification
Following the public outcry, the college authorities reached out to Sanjida, insisting that the situation was a result of miscommunication. They clarified that there was no directive prohibiting her from wearing a hijab and expressed respect for the religious sentiments of all stakeholders.
Statement from the College
Gopal Das, the chairman of the college governing body, emphasized that the college had no policy against wearing the hijab. “There was no directive or prohibition, and the college authorities respect the religious sentiments of every stakeholder,” he said. He further confirmed that Sanjida would resume her duties from June 11 after prolonged discussions resolved the misunderstanding.
Sanjida’s Position
Sanjida has been wearing the hijab to work since March-April, and the issue had escalated over the past week. After receiving an email from the college office, she decided to review her next steps. The email stated that the dress code for faculty members allowed the use of a dupatta or scarf to cover the head during classes.
Moving Forward
The college has reassured that they uphold the respect for religious sentiments and clarified any miscommunication regarding the dress code. Sanjida will be returning to her teaching duties on June 11, putting an end to the controversy.
This incident at LJD Law College highlights the importance of clear communication and respect for individual religious practices. The college’s swift response to address the misunderstanding and reaffirm its inclusive policies sets a positive example for handling such sensitive issues in educational institutions.