Belgian Teacher Appeals Dismissal Over Headscarf

Belgian teacher Hadija Amajoud, who is appealing her dismissal over the headscarf ban in East Flanders. — Hadija Amajoud is challenging her dismissal after continuing to wear a headscarf while teaching in provincial education.

A teacher in Belgium who was fired for continuing to wear her Islamic headscarf is appealing the decision. Hadija Amajoud is challenging her dismissal by the Province of East Flanders, arguing that she did not commit a disciplinary offense and that the punishment was unfair.

Her lawyer, Timo Lehaen, confirmed the appeal to the Belgian news agency Belga. The case is scheduled to be heard on December 8 by the Appeals Chamber for Subsidized Official Education.

The province dismissed Amajoud after she continued wearing her headscarf despite a rule banning visible religious and philosophical symbols in provincial schools.

Why Was the Teacher Fired?

The dispute centers on a change to the province’s staff regulations. Since September 1, 2024, teachers in provincial education have been prohibited from wearing visible religious or philosophical symbols. Teachers who teach religious or philosophical subjects are exempt.

Amajoud was already working in provincial education while wearing a headscarf before the rule changed.

Her lawyer argues that the rules were changed while she was already employed. He also claims the change was introduced because of his client’s specific situation.

“During the game, the rules were changed,” Lehaen said, describing the argument behind the appeal.

Amajoud previously told HLN that she had suggested alternatives during the dispute. One option was wearing a more neutral head covering instead of her usual headscarf.

However, the province maintained its position. It considers any head covering worn for religious reasons to fall under the ban.

**September 3, 2026 – Protest against the headscarf ban outside the Provincial Government Building in Ghent.**

Is Her Dismissal Final?

Not yet. The appeal temporarily suspends the dismissal, meaning Amajoud remains officially employed by the province while the case is being reviewed. She is not currently working.

The appeals panel can uphold the dismissal, overturn it or replace it with a less severe disciplinary measure.

Amajoud’s lawyer says they are asking the panel to cancel the disciplinary decision. If the dismissal is overturned, returning to teaching remains a possibility, although it is not yet clear whether she would return to the classroom.

For now, Amajoud is not seeking financial compensation. The appeals panel also does not have the authority to award it.

Province Declines to Comment

The Province of East Flanders confirmed that it had received the appeal but declined to comment further, describing the matter as a personal case.

The December 8 hearing will be an important step in determining whether the province’s decision stands. The case also raises broader questions about religious symbols, workplace rules and the rights of teachers in Belgium’s public education system.