ECWR condemns the action taken by Dr. Ayman Mokhtar, Governor of Daqahliya, where he insulted Ms. Karima Ibrahim, a school principal at Omar Makram School, and dismissing her without investigation.
The Governor visited Omar Makram School which was undergoing maintenances. He went on to insult the school principal, forced her to remove a classroom window herself to clean it, and also dismissed her from her job.
This behavior is considered an abuse of his legal authority, as well as a violation of the rights of the school principle. The law regulates the methods of control, supervision, action against employees, and the systems of referral procedures for investigation and its mechanisms. Thus, what has taken place can be considered an illegal abuse of authority, and a form of violence against a public employer.
In a circulated video, the Governor is seen not willing to listen to the principle or even the teachers, to hear their concerns surrounding the unavailability of cleaning crew, and that they have been working themselves on finding workers for the cleanliness of the school. The governor did not hear them out, and treated everyone with disrespect, saying “I do not care for reasons, I don’t want to understand, you should understand me.” Rather than listening to their concerns, and providing them with the appropriate feedback and budgeting for the school requirements – which is one of his primary duties – he steered the conversation in a demeaning manner.
The Governor then proceeded to force the principal to remove the classroom window, as asked “how do you clean at your house?” interfering in her private affairs without any justification. Moreover, dismissing her from her position without an investigation in a violation of the labour laws, and investigative procedures.
How can a female school principal who has been insulted before the eyes and ears of others, and in front of the cameras do her job of directing students and teachers afterwards?!
ECWR stands in solidarity with the female school principal, and demands legal action to be taken in order to investigate the full incident to clarify the lack responsibility of the principal and teachers, if any, as well as the responsibility of the Governor for the negligence in schools, as well as the violations of the authorities in their rights and the right of workers.
ECWR also demands the remuneration of the principal, as well as providing appropriate budgets for school needs.
