Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) September 14, 2026 – A Belgian special education teacher in the province of East Flanders has been officially dismissed from her post after refusing to comply with a provincial ban on wearing religious symbols in schools. The teacher, Hadija Amajoud, had worn her headscarf since joining the school in 2022, but faced disciplinary proceedings following the implementation of updated neutrality regulations. The ACOD trade union announced its intention to appeal against the decision before the Chamber of Appeal in Brussels, citing potential precedents for religious freedom in public education. The provincial administration maintained that the measure was legally binding and approved through proper democratic processes.
The provincial government of East Flanders in Belgium has terminated the employment of Hadija Amajoud, a teacher at the Kiempunt Campus special education primary school in Assenede, following her refusal to remove her Islamic headscarf while teaching. Amajoud, who has been active in the education sector for roughly ten years and joined the provincial school on 1 September 2022, received her permanent appointment on 1 January 2024. Local reporting by public broadcaster VRT and Belgian news agency Belga indicated that this case represents the first instance in Flanders where an educator has been explicitly dismissed for wearing a headscarf in the classroom.
The formal dismissal follows a disciplinary process launched by the provincial administration after Amajoud stated that she did not intend to remove her garment during working hours. Amajoud confirmed the outcome of the proceedings, describing the loss of her employment, income, and permanent status.
“I am losing not only my job, but also my income, my security and my permanent appointment. Everything I have built up has suddenly gone,”
she said.
Provincial Regulations and Democratic Approval
The termination stems from internal personnel regulations introduced across all educational institutions operated by the province of East Flanders. Under these regulations, which came into effect at the start of the current academic period, both staff and students are prohibited from displaying visible symbols, badges, or items of clothing that express political, philosophical, or religious convictions. Exceptions were granted only for instructors teaching specific philosophy or religious education subjects.
The provincial administration defended the execution of the dismissal, stating that executive bodies are required to enforce internal policies that have been officially deliberated and approved through established democratic channels. Authorities maintained that the strict observance of neutrality rules applies uniformly to all personnel subject to the regional framework.
Statements on Neutrality and Personal Freedoms
Responding to the decision, Amajoud expressed disagreement with the province’s legal and institutional interpretation of neutrality in public services. She questioned the degree to which an employer can lawfully restrict an employee’s personal freedoms and characterized the government’s operational stance as political in nature.
“Actually, no one is neutral. Every teacher stands in front of a class with his or her own convictions,”
Amajoud stated. She had previously remarked during her appearance before the disciplinary panel that her headscarf was not intended as an overt statement, describing it instead as an integral part of her personal identity.
Trade Union Appeal and Legal Precedent
The General Public Services Union (ACOD) confirmed that it will formally challenge the dismissal before the Chamber of Appeal in Brussels. Union representatives pointed out that the outcome of this case could establish an important legal precedent concerning employment rights, religious freedom, and the precise boundaries of neutrality policies within the Belgian education sector.
Kristof Bruyland, a representative for the ACOD trade union, noted during earlier proceedings that the union was closely monitoring the development due to its severity. Union officials stated that terminating a permanently appointed teacher over a clothing item represents an unprecedented measure within the regional public school system.
Legal Rulings and Human Rights Findings
The enforcement of the neutrality policy in East Flanders has previously faced legal and institutional challenges. Six students alongside several non-governmental organisations filed a petition with Belgium’s Council of State seeking to annul the provincial prohibition on religious symbols. However, in May, the Council of State ruled against the challengers, upholding the legal validity of the province’s decision to mandate neutral attire in its schools.
Prior to the dismissal, the Flemish Institute for Human Rights evaluated Amajoud’s situation following initial complaints regarding workplace restrictions. In its findings, the institute determined that the actions and measures directed against her in relation to the dress code constituted elements of discrimination and intimidation.
Despite the human rights institute’s opinion, the provincial authority proceeded with the disciplinary framework, culminating in the formal decision to terminate Amajoud’s contract. The upcoming proceedings before the Chamber of Appeal in Brussels will review the procedural and constitutional aspects of the provincial mandate.
