A female teacher quit her job at a private law college in Kolkata because she wasn’t allowed to wear her hijab. This college is affiliated with Calcutta University.
After news of the incident surfaced, there was an uproar at the college. The college authorities then gave clarification and stated that it was a result of miscommunication. They announced that the female teacher, Sanjeeda Kader, who had resigned on June 5 after being told not to wear her hijab, would resume teaching from June 11 after withdrawing her resignation. Kader had been teaching at LJD Law College for three years.
Sanjeeda Kader expressed that the college governing body’s directive has deeply offended her religious beliefs and values. She had been wearing a headscarf at work since March-April, and the controversy over her hijab arose just last week.
Once her resignation became known, college authorities reached out to her, emphasizing that it was a misunderstanding. They clarified that there was never a prohibition on her wearing a head covering during work hours.
In response, Sanjeeda Kader stated, “I received an email from the college office on Monday. I will consider my next move and make a decision, but I won’t be going to college on Tuesday.”
Simultaneously, she mentioned the email she received from the college, stating that according to the dress code for all faculty members, which is regularly assessed, she was allowed to use a dupatta or scarf to cover her head while teaching.
Gopal Das, the president of the college governing body, stated, “There was no instruction or restriction, and the college respects the religious sentiments of all involved. She will start teaching again from Tuesday. There’s no confusion.”
