Change came following intervention of Muslim civil rights group after anti-genocide arrests
The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas, Austin), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed policy changes in Travis County Sheriff’s Office allowing female Muslim detainees to keep their Hijab for the photos and during the booking process, taking privacy precautions during the search process, and giving access to long sleeves clothes for religious reasons.
This policy was changed following CAIR-Austin’s intervention after anti-genocide student protesters were arrested and reportedly denied many of their constitutional rights in April this year.
At that time, CAIR-Austincondemned the violation of female detainees’ constitutional rights and asked for policies reforming and enforcing, providing cultural competence training for officers, and investigating of the alleged incidents
In a statement, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan said:
“We have been in contact with the sheriff’s office and the chaplaincy leadership in Travis County since May to enhance understanding of Islam and build mutual respect. As we welcome the policy changes regarding religious articles, such as hijab and sleeves attire, and see them as a good step in the right direction, we still wait for deeper and institutional cultural reforms to increase the diversity in the chaplaincy effort and ensure freedom of religion for all.
“Exploring practices and policies implemented at other counties across the nation, I was shocked to see the gap between the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ standards regarding religious accommodations, especially for Muslim females, and what is implemented, or not implemented, in Texas counties. I hope the time comes when we don’t have to fight for our basic rights, and this can only happen with continuous communication and deep systemic reforms.”
She said Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a booklet, “A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community,” to assist law enforcement officials in forming and implementing policies to create a culturally aware environment and cooperative relationship between American Muslims and law enforcement agencies.
CAIR Also offers an educational toolkit, called “A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help correctional officers and administrators gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.
SEE: A Correctional Institution’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR-Texas’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan, 1-512-785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org