Ethics - Case Study - You are a teacher in a government run institution practicing co-education and having a dress code for students as well as teachers. One day a representative from a political party arrives and asks girl students from a particular community to come to college wearing hijab (face covering) else they will be socially boycotted. When they come wearing hijabs the next day, a section of students opposes the move and wear saffron scarves. The principal does not want any communal tensions on the campus and wants you to mediate between the groups. What can be the possible steps that can be taken to reduce the flares and bring solidarity? How can rights of students and institutions be upheld in the above case?
The above case is an example of identity clash that we observe in multi-cultural society such as India. The constitution allows individuals to freely practice their religion but when they are part of any institution, they must adhere to its rules.
Issues to be handled
- Religious sensitivity
The issue must be handled with sensitivity such that it must not be seen as a stand against a religion. Rational view must be presented.
- Social consensus
Consensus must be created between stakeholders such as parents, teachers, students and other members of the governance board.
Possible steps to reduce flares
- Convince students and parents
Parents and students must be convinced of the need to adopt a neutral approach so that it does not grow into a political narrative.
- Prevent political groups on campus
Political groups can flare the entire episode so there should be temporary ban on all political activities on the campus.
- Religion neutral uniform
A common uniform must be prescribed that is religion neutral and students must be convinced to adopt it without any opposition.
- Community meeting
A meeting should be held with all community stakeholders, including religious teachers to convince them to avoid escalating the issue.
Upholding rights of institution and students
- Precedence for institutional guidelines
First priority should be given to institutional guidelines so that individual religious choices take a back seat on campus.
- Essentiality test
Previous rulings have already highlighted that hijab does not form a part of essential religious practices and thus can be avoided.
- Approach court for common directive
Judicial institutions must provide directive for all educational institutions to follow certain guidelines. This will prevent future incidence from happening.
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