East Flanders teacher dismissed for refusing to remove hijab sparks controversy

Hadija Amajoud, teaching at the specialized Kiempunt Campus school in Assenede, lost her job after refusing to remove her hijab following a provincial rule that bars visible religious or philosophical signs for most staff. The rule, introduced by the East Flanders government, applies to all employees except those teaching philosophy. Amajoud, employed by the provincial education system since September 2022, reported that her professional performance had never been negatively assessed.

She expressed that the termination threatens her income, security, and permanent appointment. The socialist ACOD (CGSP) union said it will contest the decision before the Brussels Chamber of Appeal. A prior disciplinary case in May 2024 had been dismissed, and the province had closed the matter without penalty before the new regulation took effect.