A top school in Mumbai said the management has "discontinued" the services of its principal for liking pro-Palestine posts on social media, as well as those on the raging Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The school said the move was to "ensure that our ethos of unity and inclusivity is not compromised".
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Somaiya School in the city's Vidyavihar area said, "It has come to our attention that the social media activities of Parveen Shaikh have been starkly misaligned with the values we cherish."
"Given the gravity of these concerns, and after careful management, the management has discontinued Parveen Shaikh's association," it added.
The school went on to say that it "strongly supports the right of freedom of expression" but it "must be exercised with responsibility".
In response, Shaikh described her "termination" as "completely illegal, drastic and unwarranted", while expressing shock over the "politically motivated" action, PTI news agency reported.
"My work as a school principal has been exceptional and my termination for such a reason is wrongful and unjust," she claimed.
"This action appears to be politically motivated. I hold firm belief in our legal system and the Indian Constitution and I am currently considering my legal options."
Last week, the school management said that it sought a written clarification from Shaikh and was awaiting her reply.
Tuesday's school statement, however, does not mention if she had replied.
Shaikh had been associated with the school for 12 years and was appointed as the principal seven years ago.
