Rabat – The tragic case of Mouad, a young teacher who committed suicide after being suspended by the regional directorate of education in Casablanca, has sparked a wave of anger, grief, and frustration across Morocco.
Mouad took his own life shortly after receiving a suspension notice. In addition to his suspension, his salary was also halted, leaving him in a deeply vulnerable state, especially since he is the sole provider for his family.
Converging reports said the suicide followed a temporary suspension based on complaints filed by some partners who allegedly accused him of physically assaulting students.
The teacher received the suspension letter on July 1, marking the end of the academic year, with reports suggesting that he was also denied access to the school to sign the year-end clearance form on July 5.
Beyond the challenges he endured professionally, teachers and people who knew Mouad said the young teacher had been struggling emotionally since the loss of his father earlier in the academic year.
Dozens of teachers, who took to the street on Thursday in a sit-in in front of the educational directorate in Moulay Rachid in Casablanca, said Mouad received no support from the educational administration or the school where he worked. Defending the teacher, they called for an impartial investigation – emphasizing that Mouad should have been referred to a medical committee instead of being met with punitive action.
His mother, who also attended the protest, said her son was not mentally ill. She detailed that the school’s principal called him and asked him to come to the school, despite the fact that he had made sure to submit all necessary papers and grades upon his departure.
“He was surprised to receive a suspension notice after the end of the academic season,” the mother said, noting that he had been assigned to teach at three different schools within the same academic year, a situation that exceeded his capacity.
A case of ‘malicious targeting’?
The National Union of Moroccan Youth in Education released a statement, conveying both condolences and outrage on July 9, emphasizing that it had followed the tragic incident with deep sorrow.
The union emphasized that Mouad’s case has “shaken both national and international public opinion,” noting that the teacher endured severe hardship due to work-related stress, chaotic management, and “malicious targeting.”
The statement holds the directorate responsible for Mouad’s suicide, noting that his suspension took place without taking into account his psychological state and “despite [the fact] that he was a trainee teacher in his first year of service and the sole provider for his daily.”
Some of his colleagues told the media that the suspension followed some “mistakes,” with some noting that he was allegedly involved in violence against some students.
During the protests, the speakers emphasized that the directorate should have taken more concrete measures like dialogue and taking into account his mental health instead of his suspension and salary halt.
The union extended deepest condolences and full solidarity with Mouad’s family, condemning all “forms of administrative abuse and arbitrary actions that the deceased is subjected to.”
It also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the case, insisting on the urgent need to review disciplinary measures and the ways they are implemented.
Additionally, the union appealed for all relevant authorities to take measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling upon all education workers, especially young educators, to strengthen their unity in defense of teachers’ dignity to continue the fight against violations and abuses.
Converging reports said the unions emphasized the teacher’s account and side of the story was never heard, noting that a regional committee visited the school where he worked in June, but only listened to the school principal and a few parents. The unions emphasized that the committee took a one-sided narrative into account, without summoning their colleagues.
