Family considers suit as Citadel rejects hijab

http://www.koaa.com/story/31935529/family-considers-suit-as-citadel-rejects-hijab

HYPERLINK has full story

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A spokesman for the family of a newly-accepted Muslim student at the Citadel military school in South Carolina says the prospective cadet is disappointed that the school has rejected her request to wear a head covering as part of her uniform.

Ibrahim Hooper with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Washington said he spoke with the family Tuesday morning after Citadel officials called to tell the woman she could not wear a hijab. Citadel President John Rosa said the cadet system is based on a common uniform and standardization of cadets in appearance, actions and privileges, which he called essential to a military system.

Hooper said the woman will not attend the Charleston school this fall unless there is a change. He also said the family is considering legal options.

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Well, they are called "uniforms" for a reason. Uniformity is not about personalizing items.

Do you think that since the girl is Muslim that an exception should be made?

Do you feel that rules should be modified specifically for Muslims?

If so, should the modifications be exclusively for Muslims?

 

The military makes exception for Sikh beards. I don't see how this is any different.

 

I think for Dress Uniforms and non protective wear, then fine. But if you are required to wear a helmet, then no dice. But I also agree that it's the militarys decision and if they say no, too bad.

 

So, she can wear a beard.

 

No.. the Citadel has had Muslim student since the early 1960s before it was co-ed.. They didn't make special accommodations then nor should they now.

 

uniformity

applicants are given guidelines, codes of conduct etc and during tours can see everyone is in uniform without personilization. Given that the prospective student is Muslim, should that be given special consideration but continue to ban the yarmulke when in uniform?

 

A beard is facial hair that you grow. Its not artificial. Its part of your physical being.

 

Why not allow the yarmulke too?

We allow Sikh soldiers to wear beards. This is no different.

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Yet, non-Sikh soldiers are required to shave because they have no religious requirement to keep their beards.

 

Citadel cadets are clean shaven...

 

And they can't wear hijabs. Yarmulkes are worn while praying and are allowed. Likewise the Sikh turban and beard are religious articles. The hijab is not.

 

I can't remember any Sikhs being Citadel cadets.. Most Muslim men do not grow beards until age 40-45.. for a young man to wear a beard is an affectation.

 

We're talking Sikh not most Muslims. Hair is one of the five articles of faith for Sikhs. Sikhs live the way God made humans and never cut their hair.

 

Do Sikhs want to be Citadel cadets?

 

I don't know and don't care. I didn't bring them into this conversation, Questerr did.

 

Isn't it amazing that liberals seek to join an exceptional organization and then immediately try to destroy the very characteristics that made the organization superior.

This girl knew what the Citadel was all about. This looks like another case of a liberal crusader seeking to start a fight where none exists.

 

This is a state-supported school.

The families who go to those schools pay taxes.

Reasonable accommodation is the law.

Have a private school and you can restrict the rules any way you want.

 

Girl/Hijab/Citadel?
Really none of those things belong together ever.
If you gotta wear a hijab..you should go back to your Muslim country.
Tell me how I think you're not going to be the best candidate to fight and/or die for my country when you cry about not wearing a scarf on your head?
I think you're confuzzled.
Also tell me how well you fireman's carry a 200 lb wounded man.
Seriously.Homey ain't playin' that.

 

Not specifically for Muslims. I think they should listen to any reasonable request for accommodation within the rules and seek an conclusion acceptable to everyone involved but they’re not obliged to automatically agree to any request. I’m not convinced they couldn’t make it work in this case but I don’t think the family taking it to the courts would be a positive response to refusal.

I notice that you didn’t clearly express your own opinion on this case (which is rare for you). What is your opinion on this request for special exemption from a rule on grounds of religious belief?

 

Is she a foreign student or an American student? Does anyone know?

 

litigious jihad

 

keep on making these requests and eventually everyone is going to want their little special privileges.

 

How is doing what your religion requires of you a "privelege"?

 

Because if you really need to follow your religion, you dont have to go to Citadel. Make your choices and live with what they ask of you.

 

So the Citadel could make rules banning Christian prayer and that would be okay?

 

my opinion, OK

A yarmulke should not be allowed when in uniform

Necklaces with the crucifix should not be allowed when in uniform

But, given that this girl is a Muslim, we must accommodate her.