Teacher In 'Hijab' Case In Maplewood Sues For Defamation

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — After a second-grade teacher in Maplewood was accused on social media of pulling off a student's hijab last year, the teacher has filed a lawsuit against two of the accusing parties.

A New York Times story on Tuesday says that Tamar Herman, who was put on administrative leave last year, is suing Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad and the Muslim group CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) for defamation.

Last October, Muhammad alleged on social media that Herman "forcibly removed the hijab of a second grade student" (the post is still up). She encouraged people to call the school. Muhammad's Instagram post drew 70,000 likes, while a Facebook post drew more than 5,000 reactions.

An outcry ensued, with people calling the teacher names and demanding her firing.

Herman's lawyer at the time told Patch, "This is a story about social media, misinformation, and what happens when people publicize rumors."

The Times story on Tuesday says Herman had to move out of her home and may not be able to find another teaching job.

Herman was placed on administrative leave, and the girl's family sued her. But she said she "gently" brushed the hijab.

The family of the student and the family's attorney stood by their account, saying they would like Herman to apologize.

In late October 2021, the 30-year teacher penned a note to her students, saying she missed them.

The matter was investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, which in January 2022 declined to file charges.

A spokeswoman for the South Orange-Maplewood School District said Wednesday that the district would not comment on the suit, nor on Herman's personnel status.

• Read prior reporting in Patch here.
• See the New York Times update here.