Muslim Family Considers Suit Against Citadel For Denying to Allow Wearing Of The Hijab
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The Citadel military college, known for its buttoned-up uniforms and strict discipline, decided Tuesday that a newly accepted female student cannot wear a traditional Muslim headscarf if she enrolls in the fall.
The decision disappointed the student, according to a family spokesman who said they are considering legal options because they believe “it’s the same issue faced by African-Americans and women in this situation.” The school didn’t immediately embrace the first African-American cadets during the 1960s and fought the enrollment of women in the 1990s before relenting.
Commandant of Cadets Geno Paluso said allowing the student to wear the head covering known as a hijab wouldn’t be consistent with the school’s policy of having cadets look similar.
“Uniformity is the cornerstone of this four-year leader development model. The standardization of cadets in apparel, overall appearance, actions and privileges is essential to the learning goals and objectives of the college,” Citadel President retired Lt. Gen John Rosa said in a statement.
