Belgian Islamic Teacher Reinstated After Controversial Dismissal Over ’Progressive’ Views

In dismissing Hicham Abdel Gawad on June 30, 2017, without any warning, the Council of State would have blamed him for his ease in addressing subjects such as homosexuality or the philosophy of Plato during his classes. A senior inspector would have stated at the time that the teacher presented his students with a too "progressive" vision of religion and that this could have major long-term consequences, reports RTBF.

However, in his dismissal letter, none of the reasons mentioned by the higher education inspector were given. He was accused of various shortcomings such as his absences from classes and the negligence he would have shown.

Convinced that his dismissal was an injustice, Hicham Abdel Gawad had filed an action against the decree of the Council of State. His rehabilitation will only come five years later. It remains to be seen whether he is still willing to teach in Belgium.