(BALTIMORE, Md., 3/24/2022) – The Maryland office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded the Maryland State Senate and the House of Delegates for passing SB951/HB515, the Inclusive Athletic Attire Act, and urged elected officials to take the final steps to pass it into law.
Introduced respectively by Senator Shelly Hettleman and Delegate Jessica Feldmark, and co-sponsored by both Democrat and Republican lawmakers, this measure codifies into law a memo granting exception to protect the rights of Maryland public school student athletes who wear religious articles of faith including the Islamic headscarf or hijab, Sikh patka and Jewish kippah while participating in sports.
“By passing this historic legislation, state lawmakers are sending a resounding message to our diverse body of students that their identity matters and they are seen, heard and valued,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “CAIR thanks the bill sponsors and especially acknowledges Je’Nan Hayes, whose case prompted this legislation, and all of the witnesses who courageously shared their personal experiences during their testimonies. We encourage lawmakers to take the final steps to make sure this bill becomes law this year.”
“I am joyous and honored that the trials I faced while playing on a high school basketball team are helping lead to positive change for so many other student athletes,” said key witness Je’Nan Hayes. “I am thankful to God, CAIR, and elected officials who have helped me along in the pursuit of justice and equality. I strongly urge elected officials to keep the momentum moving forward until this bill is signed into law.”
“No one should be forced to choose between their passion for sports or practicing their faith”, said Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the Sikh Coalition Nikki Singh, who submitted testimony for the measure. “This legislation will ensure that student athletes in public institutions can compete with the clothing or head coverings they wear for religious reasons—including a hijab, patka, or long-sleeved undergarments for modesty—without requiring prior approval, thereby codifying their civil rights and reducing the stigma around their articles of faith.”
“Freedom of religion is a fundamental right worthy of protection,” said Rabbi Ariana Katz of Baltimore’s Hinenu Congregation, who also submitted testimony in favor of the bill. “Our multifaith community is what makes us whole. The passage of this bill ensures that every student can freely practice their religion and participate in athletics alongside their classmates, anything less hurts us all.”
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
In late January, CAIR issued a community action alert encouraging people to contact lawmakers and urge support for it. This act was among nine priority bills student moderators presented as the 2022 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day.
SEE: CAIR Action Alert – Support Maryland Inclusive Athletic Attire Bill – Pass HB 515 / SB 951
https://action.cair.com/a/cair-action-alert-pass-md-hb515
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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, [email protected], 410-971-6062