A teacher from a private law college in Kolkata, who was allegedly instructed not to wear a hijab in class but later permitted to wear a headscarf, announced on Thursday that she will not be returning to work.
The college, LJD Law College in Tollygunge, stated that it “respects” her decision.
The teacher, Sanjida Qadar, confirmed her decision not to “rejoin” her duties through an email to the college management. In their latest correspondence on June 10, the management informed her that she could resume her duties while adhering to the faculty dress code, and that she could use a dupatta as a headscarf during classes.
Qadar, who had requested a week to consider her options, sent another email on Thursday stating, “After careful consideration of your order, I have decided not to rejoin your institute. I will explore new opportunities as I believe this is the best option for my career at this time.”
In a statement to PTI, she mentioned that returning to work under these circumstances would not be comfortable for her.
The college management responded by saying it “honours” her decision and wished her success and a prosperous career.
Qadar had been wearing the headscarf at work since the month of Ramadan in April, but the issue appeared to escalate over the past week.