Department of Defense Changes Uniform Policies To Accommodate Muslim Cadets
The Department of Defense was forced to update its policies and procedures after a 14-year-old Muslim girl refused to remove her hijab.
Demin Zawity, the student at the center of the controversy, is a Muslim cadet who was unable to take part in her homecoming day parade after refusing to remove the religious head wear.
The teen chose to leave her Junior ROTC unit after refusing to adhere to the Defense Department's uniform policies.
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"I said that it was a religious thing and that I really couldn't take it off," Zawity told Fox News.
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) recently announced that after contacting the Department of Defense, accommodating changes would be made so that Zawity and other Muslim cadets could now wear hijabs.
"Based on your concerns, the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab," Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Larry Stubblefield wrote to CAIR.
"This change will allow Miss Zawity and other students the chance to fully participate in the JROTC program. Additionally, a representative from the U.S. Army Cadet Command will contact Miss Zawity and provide her the opportunity to rejoin the Ravenwood High School JROTC unit," Stubblefield added.
The Hijab is a religious dress that covers everything except the face and hands, and is commonly worn by many Islamic women.
While critics often argue that it is a symbol of female oppression, others say it represents Islamic pride and empowerment.
The Department of Defense was forced to change its uniform policies after CAIR pointed out religious freedom rights that are outlined in the U.S. constitution.
"The Army prides itself in being a diverse organization, comprised of individuals from many faiths and religions. We appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention," Stubblefield wrote.
