Muslim Teacher in Varanasi Alleges Hijab Discrimination and Religious Bias at Private School

Samreen Bano, a Muslim teacher from Varanasi, has alleged facing religious discrimination while seeking employment and during her brief tenure at a private school. She shared videos on social media describing how schools and families refused to hire her after learning she was Muslim. She claimed Muslim teachers often face prejudice during interviews and tuition inquiries, with opportunities revoked once their religious identity is known.

Samreen further noted that children sometimes arrive at school carrying negative stereotypes about Muslim teachers, leading them to initially keep their distance. However, she stated that once students get to know Muslim educators, they begin interacting normally. She emphasized that Muslim teachers participate in school prayer activities without objection and never attempt to convert others.

Approximately two weeks after her first video, Samreen alleged that Buddha Public School asked her to either remove her hijab or resign on her very first day of work. She claimed no dress code conditions were mentioned during her interview. In response, she stated that if others can express their faith through items like sindoor and mangalsutra, her hijab should not be considered a problem.

A video allegedly showing a school official telling her to leave if the rules did not suit her circulated online. Samreen maintained that the school’s actions violated her constitutional rights under Articles 19 and 25, which protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion in India.