One of the oldest military schools in America is sticking to its dress code, and has denied a Muslim student’s request to wear the hijab. School officials welcome the student if she’s willing to leave the traditional Muslim head covering at the door.
The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina got a request from a hopeful student that planned to join the class of 2020. The unnamed student asked if she could attend school with her hijab. School officials say no.
The school has long held to a strict dress code policy, as well as a tradition of cadets ‘relinquishing of self.’
“The standardization of cadets in apparel, overall appearance, actions and privileges is essential to the learning goals and objectives of the college,” said Lt. Gen. John Rosa, president of the school. “This process reflects an initial relinquishing of self during which cadets learn the value of teamwork to function as a single unit.”
Rosa does welcome the student to still join without the hijab. He claims the school strives to accommodate the religious beliefs of students by helping them connect with places of worship, prayer meetings, and dietary requirements.
The school draws the line, however, at uniform. The only time any cadets are allowed to be out without a uniform is when swimming, or when upper-class cadets are out on furlough.
Source: NBC News
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