Viral videos trigger debate on equality and workplace rights
VARANASI — A Muslim teacher from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has alleged religious discrimination and pressure over her hijab at a private school, with her videos on social media triggering widespread discussion about equality, prejudice and workplace rights.
Samreen Bano shared two separate videos in which she claimed that she repeatedly faced difficulties in getting teaching jobs because of her religious identity. In a later video, she accused the management of Buddha Public School of asking her to remove her hijab while teaching or leave the job.
The videos have circulated widely online, drawing support from many users while also leading to polarised reactions on social media platforms.
In one of the videos, Samreen said that several schools and families refused to hire her after learning she was Muslim. “People call me for tuition or interviews, but when they find out I am Muslim, they refuse,” she said.
She further claimed that prejudice against Muslim teachers had become so common that even young children appeared influenced by it. “There is so much hatred that children are made to fear Muslim teachers before even knowing them,” she said in the video.
According to Samreen, many students initially kept a distance from her because of ideas already placed in their minds. “When they slowly understand us, they start speaking normally. Our job is only to teach children and help them respect every religion,” she said.
She also stated that Muslim teachers regularly participate in school prayer activities without objection. “We stand with folded hands during prayers like everyone else. We never tell children to change their religion,” she said.
Around two weeks after her first video, Samreen posted another clip alleging that the school administration asked her to either remove her hijab or quit her position.
According to her, no condition related to hijab was mentioned during the interview process. However, she alleged that objections were raised by the principal when she arrived at school on her first working day.
Samreen claimed the action violated her constitutional rights under Articles 19 and 25, which relate to freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
She said, “If others can follow their religious practices, why should my hijab become a problem?”
A short video shared online appears to show a person linked to the school management telling her that if she did not agree with the school’s rules, she could leave.
In the clip, Samreen is heard comparing her hijab with symbols such as sindoor and mangalsutra worn by other teachers. The person speaking in the video replies that the matter concerns school policy and tells her she may work elsewhere if she is unhappy.
At the time of reporting, there had been no detailed public statement from the school management regarding the allegations.
The incident has started a wider conversation online about religious freedom, dress codes in educational institutions and treatment of minorities in workplaces.
Education experts say schools should maintain an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect. A retired academic from Uttar Pradesh said, “Educational institutions must remain spaces where professional ability matters more than religious identity.”
Several social media users and activists have also demanded clarity on whether private institutions can impose restrictions on religious attire without clearly stated rules at the time of hiring.
The matter continues to draw attention as discussions grow around constitutional rights, inclusion and the role of schools in promoting social harmony among children.
