Somaiya School in Mumbai’s Vidyavihar Area asks Principal to Quit After She Likes Posts on Palestine
Somaiya School in Mumbai’s Vidyavihar Area asks Principal to Quit After She Likes Posts on Palestine
Parveen Shaikh, the former principal, labelled her dismissal as unlawful and excessive, and was taken aback by the action, which she believes was politically influenced.
8th May 2024
A prominent Mumbai school has announced the termination of its principal’s employment due to her engagement with social media content supporting Palestine and related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The institution emphasised that this decision was taken to protect the school’s core principles of unity and inclusivity.
The Somaiya School, located in Mumbai’s Vidyavihar neighbourhood, released a media statement on Tuesday, highlighting that the social media conduct of Parveen Shaikh (Principal) was in direct conflict with the institution’s valued principles. The school also added that, “Given the gravity of these concerns, and after careful management, the management has discontinued Parveen Shaikh’s association.”
The school emphasised its commitment to freedom of expression, but also highlighted the importance of exercising this right with responsibility.
Parveen Shaikh, the former principal, labelled her dismissal as unlawful and excessive, and was taken aback by the action, which she believes was politically influenced. She insists that her performance as a principal was outstanding and that her dismissal was unfair and unjust.
She remains steadfast in her confidence in India’s legal system and constitution and is exploring her legal recourse.
Previously, the school’s administration had requested a written explanation from Shaikh and was anticipating her response. However, the latest statement from the school on Tuesday did not confirm whether she had responded or not.
