: Hijabs and Yarmulkes Approved for Chicago-Area Police

When Cook County Deputy Sheriff Crystal Clark became a Muslim last January, she asked for permission to wear a hijab (headscarf) that matched her uniform. Her request was turned down because it would “compromise” the respect a uniform attracts. The dress code barring religious garb was then turned toward Deputy Larry Davidson, an observant Jew wearing a yarmulke, who was assigned desk duty when he refused to remove it. After the cases received national attention, both officers were allowed to keep their religious clothing, albeit with conditions (both must wear sheriff’s hats over their head coverings). “Ms. Clark is very relieved she no longer has to choose between her job and her religious practice,” commented her attorney, Kamran Memon.

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.