A major controversy unfolded during the 68th annual convocation of Jadavpur University (JU) when two students prominently displayed a poster reading “No space for Islamophobia in JU”, protesting against alleged religion-based discrimination on campus. The demonstration took place as students were receiving their undergraduate degrees.
The protest is linked to a hijab-related incident that reportedly occurred earlier this week in the university’s English department during an ongoing examination. According to students, a professor allegedly asked two Muslim female students to remove their hijabs to check if they were hiding wireless headphones underneath. The students claim that the action amounted to religious discrimination and affected their performance in the exam.
The students subsequently submitted a written complaint to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Chiranjib Bhattacharjee. The complaint stated that one student was asked to remove her hijab in front of male classmates, while another was taken to a separate room and asked to do the same. The students alleged that they were questioned about their religion and the reason for wearing the hijab, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and humiliated.
In their letter, the students wrote that such behavior goes against the values of tolerance and equality that a university is expected to uphold. They urged the administration to investigate the matter seriously and ensure that no student faces religious or cultural discrimination in the future.
Speaking to the media, Jahit Khan, a student of the International Relations department, said that the female students were forced to remove their hijabs in front of male students, and when another student objected, they were taken to a separate room and questioned about their religious practices.
Meanwhile, faculty members of the English department have strongly denied the allegations. They stated that the checks were conducted for exam-security reasons following several recent cases of students using headphones to cheat. Faculty members added that students from various backgrounds were checked, and no action was targeted at any specific community.
A senior professor said that such accusations and protests could affect teaching since they unfairly label teachers as being biased on religious grounds. According to the faculty, several other students wearing hijabs were not subjected to similar checks.
Vice-Chancellor Bhattacharjee confirmed that he has received the complaint and that an inquiry is underway. Meetings with student and faculty representatives may also be held to resolve the controversy peacefully and fairly.
The incident comes at a time when issues of religious identity, personal freedom, and sensitivity are increasingly being debated across Indian universities. Known for its liberal and secular environment, Jadavpur University now finds itself at the center of a dispute that has sparked intense discussions among students and faculty alike.
