University blasts prof for removing student wearing hijab
A lecturer in Bar-Ilan University’s Middle Eastern Studies faculty instructed a Muslim student to remove her hijab, and expelled her from the classroom when she refused to do so last week.
According to a Ynet report on Monday, the student reported the incident immediately. The university said that the professor has been reprimanded and the disciplinary committee has launched a formal investigation.
In response to his actions, the university strongly condemned the professor in a statement released on Monday: “Bar-Ilan University unequivocally condemns the offensive and intolerable incident that occurred late last week.
“We view this as an act against all of us – against our academic institution, our students and our faculty,” the statement continued. “This university prides itself on the fact that it enables each and every student to enjoy his studies in an atmosphere of equality and respect. This is, and will continue to be, our hallmark.”
University president Arie Zaban wrote in a letter to the University Board of Trustees and Council of Trustees: “I am appalled by this lecturer’s humiliating and intolerable behavior. This type of ugly behavior is unacceptable anywhere, and certainly has no place at Bar-Ilan University.”
The lecturer, from the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, has been reprimanded by the University both verbally and in writing, and will be brought before a disciplinary committee for further action.
The lecturer has apologized to the student and to the entire class and, according to the statement, the student has accepted his apology.
In a response from the student (who remains unidentified), she states: ‘I was deeply shocked and offended by my professor’s actions, but this is not a reflection of the day-to-day atmosphere on campus. Bar-Ilan respects my religion and culture, and makes special concessions for me so that I can observe Muslim holidays and Ramadan. I enjoy good relations with students and faculty here, and I believe that all universities can look up to Bar-Ilan as an example of bringing diverse populations together under one roof.”