Muslim Teen Resigns from New Jersey School Over Head-Scarf

October 27, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/analysis.aspx?id=12120

On October 27, 2003 The Associated Press reported that "growing up on the shores of Sandy Hook Bay, Mona Elgohail always loved the sea and was delighted to win a slot at a special high school for the study of marine sciences. But the 14-year-old eventually dropped out of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology because of a conflict between her Islamic faith and the school's requirement that all students take part in Naval Junior ROTC training. As a devout Muslim who is observing Ramadan this week, Elgohail insisted on wearing her hijab, the head scarf encouraged by the Quran but prohibited by the Navy. The school tried to work with her on several alternatives -- and officials even exempted Elgohail from the ROTC requirement in the end --but she dropped out of the school as a matter of principle. 'They looked at it like it was a hat problem, like it was no big deal. But it was,' she said. 'It's part of my religion. It was my choice to wear it. When I make a decision, I stick to it.' Her experience is one of many playing out across the country in which authorities have questioned those wearing the hijab. From schools to police departments to airlines to motor vehicle agencies, the scarf is welcomed in some places, tolerated in others and banned in still others."