Earlier this week a video was posted to snapchat showcasing a teacher removing a hijab from her student’s head. That video, posted with the caption “pretty hair,” made it’s way all over social media, and it was soon discovered that it was recorded inside a classroom at the New Vision Academy Charter School in Nashville, TN.
A viewer sent sent the recording to Nashville News 4
According to reports, originally, the teacher denied making a video and said exposing the girl’s hair was not done out of disrespect.
A hijab is a veil traditionally worn by some Muslim women in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family, which usually covers the head and chest. The word ḥijāb in the Quran refers not to women’s clothing, but rather a spatial partition or curtain.[5] The term can refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of modesty. Hijab can also be used to refer to the seclusion of women from men in the public sphere, or it may denote a metaphysical dimension, for example referring to “the veil which separates man or the world from God”. Most often, it is worn by Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and privacy.
In short, it is sacred, and it goes without saying that this educator was completely out of line. And as such, she has been suspended without pay.
New Vision Academy principal has released the following statement:
New Vision Academy is a diverse school. As a school community, we pride ourselves on embracing and celebrating our racial, ethnic, religious and economic diversity. Our students learn, and grow, best when they learn from one another. To foster this environment, all students must feel respected and supported.
The actions depicted in the Snapchat video do not reflect the values, culture or climate of New Vision Academy. New Vision Academy will continue to emphasize that all staff members act in a way meant to empower and inspire our students. New Vision will use this video as an opportunity to press forward with increasing cultural sensitivity and awareness among all members of the New Vision community. The staff member in question has been suspended, without pay, and we have had direct discussions with the students depicted in the Snapchat. New Vision Academy apologizes for this unfortunate incident, and will be better in the future.
-Tim Malone, Ed.D.
Executive Director
New Vision, Inc. & New Vision Academy
Watch the video here:
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