Teacher suspended after video posted of schoolgirl's hijab being removed

Footage posted on Snapchat with message: 'Lol all that hair cover up!!!'

A teacher has been suspended after video footage was reportedly posted from one of her social media accounts, showing a schoolgirl having her hijab removed.

Film of the girl clutching her head as the religious headscarf is pulled off, appeared on the educator's Snapchat feed, alongside the caption "pretty hair".

A second video was then posted with the caption: "Lol all that hair cover up!!!"

The video was recorded at the New Vision Academy Charter school in Nashville, WSMV-TV reported.

The incident was first brought to light after someone spotted on the teacher's Snapchat account and sent it to the Tennessee news channel.

Before their suspension, the teacher had denied making the video and said the girl's hijab was not removed out of disrespect, said the school's head, Tim Malone.

They have nonetheless been suspended without pay while the incident is investigated.

"The actions depicted in the Snapchat video do not reflect the values, culture or climate of New Vision Academy," Mr Malone said in a statement.

He added that the school would "continue to emphasise that all staff members act in a way meant to empower and inspire our students," and "use this video as an opportunity to press forward with increasing cultural sensitivity and awareness among all members of the New Vision community."

He added that the school apologised for the "unfortunate incident" and said it "will be better in the future".