Schisms exist in Hyderabad schools: Nazia Erum

Hyderabad: “With school playgrounds plagued by Islamophobia, are we waiting for students to commit suicide due to bullying,” said Nazia Erum, author of book ‘Mothering a Muslim’. 

“When I moved back to Hyderabad from Dubai, I had high hopes as we were back in our hometown, but the attitude of schools in the city shocked me. A well-known private school refused to admit my child because she was wearing a hijab, and another school denied me a teaching position because I was a hijabi,” said Ms Erum, the mother of a 15 year old. 

Nazia Erum’s book talks about the problem of Islamophobia in schools, and paints a grim picture. The author was attending a talk held by Mathan, an NGO based in Hyderabad. 

The book is based on experiences of students who had been victims of bullying — being called names such as ‘terrorist’, ‘Osama’ and others. The mothers of the students also find a voice in the book. Asked about the lack of a father’s viewpoint in the book, Ms Erum retorted, “It is so because it is difficult for a mother to propagate hatred against another child, and therefore the book is an appeal to all mothers to ensure that schools are spared from name-calling and religious divisions.” 

Dividing students on linguistic lines that are dictated by religious sentiments will also create deep schisms, the author said. 

While speaking to DC, Ms Erum said, “Throughout the book, you will find many anecdotes and will see the sad state of schools across the country. But I still have hope because there were many parents who sided with the mother of a child who was called a ‘terrorist’.” 

She also spoke about a phone call she received from the authorities of Glendale academy in Hyderabad who said that they did not treat secularism lightly. 
 “The only way we can ensure that our children are not called out in schools is by promoting parenting without hate,” said Ayesha M, a parent who attended the event. 

Almost all who attended the meet said Islamophobia was a current trend. Many also discussed the ill-effects of forced Islam on young girls by imposing hijab and other measures which need to be questioned.