By Muslim Mirror Staff
A top school in Mumbai said the management has “discontinued” the services of its principal for liking pro-Palestine posts on social media, as well as those on the raging Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The school said the move was to “ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised”.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Somaiya School in the city’s Vidyavihar area said, “It has come to our attention that the social media activities of Parveen Shaikh have been starkly misaligned with the values we cherish.”
The school said the move to remove Principal Parveen Shaikh was to “ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised”.
“After careful consideration, the management has discontinued Ms Parveen Shaikh’s association with Somaiya Vidyavihar to ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised,” the statement said.
The move comes days after she was asked to quit reportedly for liking social media posts on the Palestine issue and the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Earlier last week, the Somaiya school management informed the media that it had sought a written clarification from Shaikh and was waiting for her reply. The statement did not specify if the management received any clarification from her.
Shaikh, on the other hand, claimed her termination was completely illegal and she was shocked to know the news of her termination from social media even before receiving a notice from the management.
Ms Shaikh took charge as principal of the school seven years ago. She was earlier asked to resign over her social media posts. last week, the Somaiya school management said that it had sought a written clarification from Ms Shaikh and was waiting for her reply.
“This action appears to be politically motivated. I hold firm belief in our legal system and the Indian Constitution and I am currently considering my legal options,” Ms Shaikh added.
“My work as a school principal has been exceptional and my termination for such a reason is wrongful and unjust,” she claimed.
Shaikh further said she was disappointed as the school management chose not to stand by her and took drastic and unwarranted action. ( With Agencies Inputs )