Administration of a prominent school in the Indian state of Maharashtra has forced a Muslim woman principal to resign for liking a social media post in support of the Palestinian cause.
According to Indian media reports, the administration of Somaiya School in the Vidyavihar area of Mumbai pressured Principal Praveen Shaikh to resign after she liked a post on the social media platform ‘X’ that expressed solidarity with the Palestinians. The school authorities reportedly told Shaikh that such posts were unacceptable.
Shaikh, who had been working at the school for the past 12 years and had served as the principal for the last 7 years, said that the termination of her employment was “illegal and unnecessary.” She believes the decision was politically motivated.
“I have full faith in my legal system and the Indian Constitution, and I am currently considering my legal options,” Shaikh stated.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by minority educators in India, who often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between their personal beliefs and the expectations of their employers. The decision to fire Shaikh for a simple social media interaction has been widely condemned as a blatant violation of her right to freedom of expression.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the need to protect the rights of minority communities and ensure that educational institutions remain inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives. As a society, we must strive to create an environment where educators can freely engage with important global issues without fear of repercussions.