A government-aided school teacher in Nagapattinam was suspended on Tuesday following allegations that she made derogatory remarks against students belonging to a particular community during a classroom session.
The incident took place on 1 August 2025 at a minority-run school located near VOC Road. According to sources, Maryam Francis, a Tamil teacher for Class XI, made comments referring to the community background and traditional occupations of some students. The students reported the remarks to their parents, sparking outrage.
In the days that followed, parents and members of the affected community demanded action against the teacher. As no action was initially taken, nearly a hundred members of the Thevar community, led by the Mukkulathor Puligal Katchi, staged a protest on 3 August 2025 and marched to the office of the Superintendent of Police. The protestors dispersed after police officials assured them that appropriate steps would be taken.
A formal petition was subsequently submitted at the Velipalayam police station. Based on recommendations from the school education department, the school administration issued an order suspending the teacher on Tuesday.
(With inputs from Times Of India)
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