Hampton University student carries papers to prove she can wear a hijab
A Hampton University student says she has to prove that she is Muslim in order to attend school.
Melona Clarke wears a hijab as part of her faith, but if she doesn’t have documentation to prove it, she will get kicked off campus.
“I went to go get my ID in the police office, and I was in the front of the line and I was told that I would not be able to get my ID because I wear a hijab,” said Melona Clarke. In order to wear the hijab, or the head scarf many Muslim women choose to wear, Clarke was told she not only had to get a letter from the school chaplain but her mosque. NewsChannel 3 took a look at the school’s dress code and it shows, “caps and hoods for women” are not allowed, but that “does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.” But there is a separate policy in order to wear the religious headgear stating students, “May make a written request for a review through the Office of the Chaplain,” and “students who are approved will then have their new ID card picture taken.”
Clarke ended up obtaining proper documentation, but she hopes the school will consider changing its policy. She carries her letters of permission around daily while on campus to avoid questioning.
This isn’t the first time that Hampton University has made headlines for its strict policies.
Last year, males students attending the business school were banned from wearing cornrows and dreadlocks.
WOW.
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