(BALTIMORE, MD, 1/31/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the introduction in the Maryland House of Delegates of HB515, a bill that would ensure religious attire is never an obstacle to students who wish to participate in school athletics.
CAIR also urged community members to call on lawmakers to support the bill, which would allow Muslim athletes to wear modest attire such as head scarves (hijab).
CAIR Action Alert – Support Maryland Inclusive Athletic Attire Bill – Pass HB 515
HB515 would require county boards of education, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, governing bodies of public institutions of higher education, and boards of community college trustees to allow student athletes to modify uniforms to conform to religious requirements. The bill would also authorize modifications to athletic uniforms, such as the including of headscarves and leggings.
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“A student’s religious beliefs and practice should never be a barrier to participation in school activities, including athletics. We welcome the introduction of House Bill 515, which would ensure that students of all faith backgrounds are able to participate in school athletics without having to compromise on their values and beliefs. We urge state lawmakers to support the bill and call on community members to join us in advocating for this important piece of legislation.”
Chaudry noted that CAIR has previously supported efforts to ensure athletes’ right to wear religiously attire is upheld.
SEE: Hijab rule keeps junior from playing in regional title basketball game
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/03/15/us/maryland-hijab-high-school-basketball-rule/index.html
She noted that while CAIR welcomed the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association rule change to reverse its hijab ban for high school athletes, she said this bill is important because it codifies religious accommodations in school sports into law
SEE: Maryland’s high school athletes can now wear their hijabs during sports tournaments
SEE ALSO: CAIR Supports Removal of Mississippi Confederate Monument, Welcomes New Policy Allowing Hijab Without Waiver for Student Athletes in Tennessee
CAIR Welcomes National Athletic Association’s Decision to Permit Hijabs, Other Religious Headgear for Volleyball Players
CAIR-Philadelphia, Public Officials, Activists to Call on Athletic Association to Drop Hijab Waiver Rule
Many international athletic organizations have modified their rules and policies to account for the various religious needs of participants. For example, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have all lifted their respective bans on religious headgear, including hijabs.
CAIR Welcomes Implementation of New FIBA Policy Allowing Religious Headgear
CAIR’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 Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062, CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com