Mumbai School Principal, Parveen Shaikh Sacked For Liking Pro-Palestine Post

Parveen Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai was fired for liking a pro-Palestine post on social media. This decision taken by the authorities to terminate her service has now stirred controversy. 

Ms Shaikh was accused of supporting “pro-Hamas, pro-Islamist, and anti-Hindu” views through her engagement with the social media posts. The school management in its statement said that the termination was attributed to concerns that her personal social media activities were at odds with the institution’s principles of unity and inclusivity, reports NDTV.

However, Parveen labeled the decision as “wrongful and unjust”. 

She said that she was shocked to know the news of the termination from social media even before a termination note was sent from the authorities. “The termination notice is completely illegal and based on defamatory lies peddled against me,” Parveen added.

“My work as a school principal has been exceptional and my termination for such reason is wrongful and unjust. I am disappointed that in spite of my hard work, dedication and sincere contribution to the school”s growth over 12 years, the management chose not to stand by me in the face of this vitriolic public vilification campaign run against me, and instead fell prey to it and took this drastic and unwarranted action,” she added.

In the statement shared by the Somaiya school management on X on Tuesday said, Parveen Shaikh”s personal social media activities were “starkly misaligned with the values we cherish” and hence “given the gravity of concerns” and “after careful consideration”, it discontinued her.

Shaikh has called the move “politically motivated” and said she would pursue legal options. 

Ms Shaikh took charge as the principal seven years ago. Last week, the Somaiya school management said that it had sought a written clarification from Ms Shaikh and was waiting for her reply.