A recent incident at Jadavpur University (JU) in Kolkata has sparked a significant debate, leading the institution to launch a formal investigation. The controversy centers around a hijab-wearing student during a third-year English semester exam.
On December 17th, an invigilator reportedly asked a female student, who was wearing a headscarf, to allow a classmate to partially remove her hijab. The reason? To check if she was using wireless headphones – a measure taken amidst heightened vigilance against cheating. While no suspicious items were found, the incident deeply upset some students.
Members of the SFI unit from the arts faculty expressed strong disapproval, protesting during the annual convocation with posters stating, “There is no place for Islamophobia at Jadavpur University.” They felt such an action was out of character for a university known for its liberal and secular values.
However, faculty members have firmly denied any allegations of Islamophobia. They explained that exam vigilance had been tightened after several students were caught cheating with headphones. A senior English department professor clarified that the student was suspected of using headphones and was discreetly checked by another female student in a private room. They also emphasized that other hijab-wearing students were not checked, reinforcing that the action was about preventing cheating, not discrimination.
Taking the matter seriously, Jadavpur University has now formed a three-member fact-finding committee. Comprising senior academics, including a chancellor’s nominee, the committee is tasked with investigating the entire incident thoroughly and submitting its report within 30 days. This step aims to uncover the full truth and address all concerns surrounding the event.
Source: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/12/29/ces15-wb-ju-hijab-committee.html
