Lecturer Chandini resigns in Karnataka amid hijab controversy
Bangalore:
An English professor in Karnataka resigned today citing “self-esteem” after he was allegedly asked to remove the hijab before entering his college.
Chandini, a lecturer at Jain PU College in Tumakuru, said she had worked in the college for about three years, but was asked to remove her hijab for the first time.
“I have been working in Jain PU College for the last three years. I have not faced any problem till now. But yesterday, the principal told me that I cannot wear hijab or any religious symbol while teaching. But I I have been wearing hijab for the last three years. This new decision is a blow to my self-respect. That’s why I have decided to resign.”
However, college principal KT Manjunath said that neither she nor anyone else in the management had asked her to remove the hijab.
Resignation letter by lecturer in Karnataka
Schools and colleges in Karnataka have been witnessing tension for weeks over the hijab ban and protests against them.
The protests began late last year after six students alleged that they were prevented from attending class wearing headscarves. As the protests spread to several colleges, protests broke out over saffron scarves.
The Karnataka government had ordered the closure of high schools and colleges amid tensions. As they gradually reopen, many schools and colleges have been seen asking students and teachers to remove the hijab before entering.
The Karnataka High Court has imposed a temporary ban on the wearing of all religious symbols in schools while it considers the headscarf ban.
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