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So I got rejected from a job only because I choose to wear Niqab.
Thread.
Thread.
I was called from a well reputed school for interview and I was told they need a teacher for senior classes, 9th and 10th grade. The interview went really well (but with the hints from the principal that you need to be friendly and open with the students).
They took my test in which I performed good. Gave me a topic to prepare for demonstration class in front of principal (no students were there because schools have not opened yet officialy).
As soon as I walked inside for demo, the principal stoped me and asked if I will continue wearing my Niqab in the class. I replied Yes, but I won't let this niqab become a barrier between me and my students to which he replied 'THIS IS A BARRIER'.
He started saying things like 'for verbal communication your face should be open. Students should be able to see your ears' etc. Forget if you are a male or female as soon as you enter the school.
As I was supposed to teach 9th and 10th grade, I tried to explain the sort of verbal communication he is demanding is required for younger students. Boys of 9th and 10th are big enough.
Then he switched to arguments like Parents and school owner demand our teachers to be more open and they complain 'YE ISLAMIAT KI TEACHER HAIN YA ENGLISH KI'. Kept telling that other well reputed schools also demand the same from their teachers.
He kept giving such vague arguments for more than an hour. Again and again asked me to rethink my decision. Told me that I was so far the best candidate for the post but can't give the class because of My Niqab.
He wasn't even letting me go, I tried thrice to just take the leave but he started again that he himself respect this dressing but our schools demand this. I replied to everything calmly but inside I felt like crying. I was super upset.
Rejection because I choose to wear Niqab has been a fear. I didn't know I will live it like this.
All the people who are supporting me, raising voice for niqabis/hijabis, I thank you all. Your response is so overwhelming. I am reading all the replies, all the quote tweets. No words can be enough to thank you. Your kind words means a lot to me.
I was hurt but not stopping here. I will apply in all the institutes that are thought to have issues with niqab. This rejection and your support has motivated me even more.
People contacting me to offer job, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. It's you people because of whom our faith in goodness is still strong. But I can't accept any offer this way. I don't want any job out of this unfortunate experience.I will apply in other institutes nd will get job on merit.
Since so many people have asked me to mention the school, and some are pointing out other schools in which they think I have gone through this experience, it's better to name the school myself and clear it. This happened to me in 'The Educators'.
If any responsible person from the authorities of 'The Educators' sees this, I would request you to change your policy and deliver it to your campuses to not discriminate on the basis of Niqab/hijab. No one deserves to be refused a job he/she is capable of on such lame basis.
