For the first time since the controversy surrounding the termination of the principal of The Somaiya School citing to her social media activities, Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University and trustee of the Somaiya Trust, has finally addressed the issue to justify the management’s decision. In an email to internal stakeholders, including staff, parents, and students, Somaiya explained that the school management has the authority to question employees on matters raised by stakeholders, especially when there is a misalignment with the institution’s core principles.

He emphasised that taking appropriate action is essential to safeguard the interests of the school and its students. In an email to the staff and parents associated with the institute Somaiya wrote: “Earlier this month, we were in the press extensively. We have faced a situation that has challenged the alignment of certain actions with our cherished principles of knowledge, inclusivity, and service. The social media activities of a former principal, until recently a member of our leadership team at The Somaiya School, were misaligned with the institution’s principles.  What is strictly an administrative matter is being given a political colour. It’s not acceptable for a head of a school to like a tweet that uses vulgar four letter words. It’s not ok for a head of a school to like a tweet or a cartoon that offends or insults an entire community based on religion, caste, language, race, nationality or any other basis.