The Board of Studies (BoS) for the English department at Jadavpur University has formally recommended that the department head, Saswati Halder, resolve the recent hijab controversy through constructive dialogue with students. This suggestion came during a crucial meeting held on Friday, specifically convened to address the escalating situation.
Incident Sparks Campus-Wide Discontent
The controversy originated on December 22 when Halder, acting as the Head of the Department (HOD), asked two third-year undergraduate female students to remove their hijabs during an examination on suspicions of potential cheating. This action triggered significant discontent among the student body.
Two days later, on December 24, the tension became visibly public when a group of English department students staged a demonstration. They walked up to the convocation stage holding posters that read, "No space for Islamophobia in JU", bringing the issue to the forefront of campus discourse.
Board Meeting Acknowledges Missteps and Suggests Path Forward
During the pivotal BoS meeting, professors acknowledged that the questions posed to the students during the check were irrelevant and inappropriate. A participating professor stated that the situation was entirely avoidable. The board collectively advised HOD Halder to consider offering an apology, though it was left to her personal discretion.
The central recommendation from the board was for Halder to sort out the matter through direct talks, emphasizing the need to address the hurt religious sentiments of the students involved. It was reported that the professor concerned in the incident has understood the gravity of the situation.
At the meeting, HOD Saswati Halder reportedly presented her detailed report on the incident, which she had previously sent to the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Broader Concerns: Cheating Epidemic and Trust Deficit
The board discussion also delved into wider systemic issues within the department. Professors expressed serious concern over what they described as a 'cheating epidemic' during examinations. The meeting explored potential protocols for conducting checks on electronic devices and other items in a manner that is respectful to students.
A professor highlighted a fundamental issue, stating, "The teacher-student trust deficit needs to be addressed." This points to a deeper challenge beyond the immediate hijab row.
External Interventions and Ongoing Probe
The university authorities had already constituted a probe panel to investigate the entire episode. Furthermore, the West Bengal Minorities Commission intervened, holding discussions with the Vice-Chancellor. The commission had suggested that HOD Halder should stay away from the campus until the investigation into the hijab incident was concluded.
Despite multiple attempts by the media, Saswati Halder did not respond to calls for comment following the board meeting, leaving the university community awaiting her next steps based on the board's advisory.
