Umm Juwayriyah

When it comes to Muslim youth wearing the hijab in public, this is an act of outward modesty and a profession of faith by the wearer that they hold to be spiritually important to them. Ripping off any article of clothing from a student’s body is a violent act and an abuse of power that must be addressed by the public-school system and the legal system. Ripping off a young girl’s hijab is an act of sexual harassment! Educators, especially those in elementary and middle school settings, do not have the right to malign the faith of their students. Diversity and cultural sensitivity training are needed and it can be helpful, but make no mistakes about it – teachers who cannot find respect for their students – who demean and/ or sexually harass their students need to find a new profession.

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