Kolkata Teacher Resigns Citing ‘No Hijab’ Policy At College

A professor at a private law school connected to the University of Calcutta resigned and stopped teaching after allegedly receiving a request from the institution’s administration not to wear a headscarf while at work. But in the face of controversy and public outcry, college officials claimed it was just a misunderstanding. On June 11, they declared that Sanjida Qadar, the three-year LJD Law College instructor, would be returning after rescinding her resignation.

“The diktat from the college governing body offended my values and religious sentiments,”Sanjida remarked

Sanjida began wearing the hijab to work since March, and during the last week, things have gotten worse. The college administration contacted her after her resignation became widely known, stressing that there had been a misunderstanding. They made it clear that they had never forbade her from donning a head covering while at work.

“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 made it clear that every faculty member’s dress code is regularly reviewed. It confirmed that she was allowed to cover her head while teaching with a dupatta or scarf.

College governing body chairman Gopal Das said, “There was no directive or prohibition and the college authorities respect the religious sentiments of every stakeholder. She will resume classes on Tuesday. There is no misunderstanding. We engaged in prolonged discussions with her. The initial developments were the result of some miscommunication,” he said.