The principle is always and everywhere the same: in Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to Muslim sensibilities. In non-Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to Muslim sensibilities.
Syracuse University student Hawa Omar never learned how to swim. When Omar arrived at SU, she was excited to learn, but quickly discovered The Barnes Center at the Arch’s pool is not accessible to Muslim women like herself.
“I’m not able to exercise. I’m not able to have fun in the pool, or even learn how to swim,” Omar said. “As Muslims we have to cover, and when we’re in a swimming pool, obviously we’re not covering, so there can’t be any men.”
Covering, or maintaining modest dress for religious reasons, is at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible for Muslim women who choose to cover their bodies when they’re using Barnes Center facilities, such as the pool. Muslim students told The Daily Orange that SU lacks proper accommodations for them, especially in gyms and pools….
Naqib mentioned feeling uncomfortable when wearing her hijab at the gym, recalling getting “weird stares.”
Amarkhil said the Barnes swimming pool should allocate a specific time for Muslim women to use the facility. Her request isn’t anything new….
Read more: Jihad Watch
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
