Article by Layla Abdullah-Poulos with US Muslim women reactions to the assault of a Muslim student by her teacher.Original Source: About Islam
NEW YORK – A video of a Muslim student having her hijab removed by a teacher went viral on the internet and resulted in the teacher’s suspension. The video shows the teacher removing the hijab and then inviting others in the classroom to fondle the student’s hair.
The incident took place at The New Vision Academy in Nashville, TN. The school issued a statement that the “actions depicted in the Snapchat video do not reflect the values, culture or climate” of their institution. In addition to suspending the teacher without pay, the academy also engaged in “direct discussions” with the students in the video.
The removal of a student’s headscarf by a teacher is not an isolated incident. In May, the New York City Department of Education fired substitute teacher Oghenetega Edah for threatening to and then tearing off student Safa Alzockary’ hijab.
These incidents invariably lead to discussions about the safety and autonomy of covered Muslim girls and women in society.
