Panorama

Teacher Hadija Amajoud dismissed over headscarf in East Flanders

Hadija Amajoud has been dismissed by the East Flanders provincial government for refusing to remove her headscarf, sparking a debate about neutrality in education.

16 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Hadija Amajoud, a teacher in East Flanders, has been dismissed for refusing to remove her headscarf while teaching. The provincial government made this decision despite her objections, and according to various sources, she appears to be the first teacher in Flanders to be dismissed for this reason.

The decision by the East Flanders province stems from a personnel regulation that prohibits any visible religious symbols for teachers since September 1, 2024. Amajoud has confirmed that she does not want to take off her headscarf, which has led to her dismissal, according to a report from Belga picked up by multiple media outlets.

In response to her dismissal, Amajoud states that she is losing more than just a job; she speaks of loss of income, security, and her permanent position. This has prompted a broader discussion about the implications of such regulations for individuals.

The ACOD union has announced that it will appeal against the dismissal. The provincial government defends its decision by referencing the democratically approved personnel regulation, leading to a legal conflict over the issue of neutrality in education.

There are various reactions to the dismissal; among them, a political sociologist describes Amajoud's dismissal as 'outrageous governance' and advocates for freedom of religious expression. This reflects a growing debate on how neutrality in education should be defined and enforced.

There are also positive reactions to the provincial government's decision, with some readers stating that rules should apply to everyone. This aligns with broader concerns about the role of visible religious symbols in public institutions.

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