Following claims that principal Parveen Shaikh participated in social media behavior judged incompatible with the school’s ideals, a prestigious school in Mumbai caused controversy by deciding to fire Shaikh. After it was revealed that Ms. Shaikh had supported pro-Palestine content on social media, she was fired.
Shaikh’s firing was explained by the Somaiya School administration in a statement, which stated that the school’s values of inclusivity and togetherness were violated by her personal social media activities.
Ms. Shaikh, however, disagreed with the ruling, calling it “wrongful and unjust”.
“I was shocked to know the news of my termination from social media even before receiving a termination notice from the management,” Ms. Shaikh told NDTV. “The termination notice is completely illegal and based on defamatory lies peddled against me.”
“I have done extraordinary work as a school administrator, and it is inappropriate and unfair that I was fired for this reason.
“It is disheartening that despite my diligent efforts, commitment, and genuine involvement in the school’s expansion over a 12-year period, the administration opted not to support me during this hateful public defamation campaign, instead succumbing to it and pursuing this unjustified and extreme measure,” she continued.
Seven years ago, Ms. Shaikh became the school’s principal. Due to her social media posts, she was previously requested to quit. The administration of the Somaiya school said last week that it had asked Ms. Shaikh for a written explanation and was awaiting her response.
This seems to be a politically motivated action. I really believe in the Indian Constitution and our judicial system, and I’m now thinking through my legal alternatives,” Ms. Shaikh continued.
