Muslim Leaders Slam Police for Hijab Removal at ASU Protest Arrests

The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) has issued a strong condemnation after a video emerged showing a woman’s hijab being forcibly removed during her arrest at an Arizona State University (ASU) protest. The incident, captured on video by ABC 15 reporter Dave Biscobing and shared on social media platform X, has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.

The video shows the woman, handcuffed and sitting near a bus, surrounded by four officers as her headscarf is removed, revealing her hair. The incident occurred in the aftermath of a pro-Palestinian rally at ASU’s campus, which saw nearly 70 individuals arrested.

ASU officials have stated that they are reviewing the incident but could not confirm the involvement of university police. Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Public Safety and the Tempe Police Department have clarified that the officers in the video were not their personnel.

Azza Abuseif, executive director of CAIR-AZ, emphasized the significance of the hijab as a symbol of modesty and privacy in Islam, describing the act of removing it as a “gross violation” of religious rights and a deeply dehumanizing experience. The council is now in touch with the woman in the video, her attorney, and the attorneys of three other women who alleged similar mistreatment during the protests.

This incident echoes a larger national issue. Earlier this month, New York City agreed to a $17.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit where police were accused of forcibly removing women’s hijabs for mugshots in 2018.

Lola N’Sangou, executive director of Mass Liberation AZ, which supports the student advocates, related her distress over the incident, drawing a controversial parallel between the actions of the Arizona police and the Israeli military, condemning the act as a betrayal of public safety principles.

The university, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to free speech but underscored the importance of maintaining a secure environment conducive to learning. This incident has intensified the dialogue around the balance between civil liberties and public safety on campus.