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New York City Teacher Fired After Ripping Hijab Off 8-Year-Old Girl: DOE

A New York City teacher has been fired after he allegedly ripped a hjiab off an 8-year-old girl in the classroom when she refused to take it off, police say.

Police said the 31-year-old teacher at P.S. 76 in Allerton had asked the girl to get off her chair the afternoon of May 2, and the two got into an argument.

That's when the teacher, Oghenetega Edah, told the student to remove her hijab, and when she refused, the teacher allegedly said, "I'm taking it off," according to police. He yanked the hijab off the girl's head.

The girl reported irritation to her right eye and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center. Doctors found no injuries on the girl.

In a statement, the Department of Education called Edah's behavior "completely unacceptable."

"This individual was removed from the school immediately and his employment has been terminated," the DOE said. 

Police are also investigating Edah but say they haven't arrested him. 

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