Two Muslim Women Allege Forced Removal of Hijabs During Pro-Palestinian Protest Arrests

In a scene that unfolded under the watchful eyes of media cameras, two Muslim women stood before a crowd on Tuesday morning, recounting an ordeal that has become emblematic of religious discrimination and civil rights infringement. Salma Nasoordeen and Shenai Aini filed a federal lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, claiming that their religious head coverings were forcibly removed during their arrest following a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of California, Irvine on May 15, 2024. “My hijab is the ultimate sign of my faith,” Aini said, her voice choked with emotion. “It serves as my identity, my protection, and my faith.”

The Events That Unfolded

As the sun set on campus, tensions flared during the protest, resulting in the arrest of dozens of participants. Nasoordeen and Aini became part of a narrative that echoes through the annals of U.S. civil rights history. Their attorneys described how they were “swept up” in a mass arrest operation conducted by sheriff’s deputies. After being taken to the Intake Release Center at the Central Jail Complex in Santa Ana, both women faced a grueling experience that they allege violated their deeply held religious beliefs.

Allegations of Coercion

During the booking process, Nasoordeen and Aini stated that they were repeatedly ordered to remove their hijabs. “This stripped them of something far more sacred than fabric,” remarked civil rights attorney Dina Chehata from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA). “It is not for the state to decide when a hijab can be removed.”

Nasoordeen recalled the moment when a deputy coerced her into compliance, saying, “The faster you do this, the faster you can get out of here.” The pressure she felt led to a stark internal struggle. “I tried to stay strong, but as those feelings settled, I felt like a little kid who had no one to protect them.”

The Legal Ramifications

The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that the forced removal of hijabs represents a flagrant violation of both state and federal laws regarding religious freedom. Nasoordeen and Aini allege that they were subjected to undue humiliation when their hijabs were forcibly removed—an act that not only infringes on their rights but also disregards their cultural identity.

• Religious Freedom Violation: The lawsuit argues that individuals do not lose their religious rights when arrested.
• Coercion and Humiliation: The accounts include experiences of coercion and emotional distress.
• Historical Context: Past lawsuits against the sheriff’s department provide a backdrop for the current case, illuminating a pattern of treatment toward religious minorities.

Institutional Responses

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has categorically denied the allegations, asserting that the experiences reported by the plaintiffs are “misleading and inaccurate.” In a press release, the department stated that they actively collaborate with various religious groups and maintain procedures to uphold the rights of incarcerated individuals while ensuring safety and security. They insist that no woman was required to remove her hijab in front of male deputies or members of the public.

Sheriff’s officials insisted that the women “voluntarily” removed their hijabs for booking photos, adding that those images are not publicly releasable. Such statements, according to Chehata, only serve to undermine trust within communities already grappling with systemic discrimination.

A Broader Societal Impact

Experts emphasize that cases like this reflect broader trends in the treatment of religious minorities in the U.S. According to Professor Amina Malik, an expert in constitutional law, “This situation exposes the fragile state of religious freedoms in America. For many, their hijab is not merely fabric; it symbolizes their faith, autonomy, and identity.”

Research has shown that religious minorities often face greater scrutiny and discrimination, particularly in high-stress situations like arrest and incarceration. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 35% of Muslim Americans have reported experiencing discrimination, often linked to their faith and religious attire.

Historical Context and Previous Findings

This isn’t the first time the sheriff’s department has faced allegations of infringing on religious freedoms. In 2013, a lawsuit resulted in an agreement with the ACLU of Southern California, prohibiting the requirement of Muslim women removing their hijabs in the presence of male deputies. Such historical precedents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in the United States.

Furthermore, inmates have reported an array of issues regarding personal freedoms and rights while incarcerated. With various communities advocating for more comprehensive changes, the push for greater understanding and respect for religious practices intensifies.

Looking Ahead

As both Nasoordeen and Aini continue their battle in court, they hope to shine a light on the broader implications of their case—one that extends beyond individual experiences to tackle systemic issues inherent in the justice system. “A year later, I am still deeply affected,” Aini lamented. “I still hear my pleas to be covered, along with flashbacks reminding me my religion was disrespected and I was spiritually harmed.”

Through this lawsuit, they not only seek redress for their own grievances but also advocate for a future where religious identities are respected and protected within all facets of society. In a nation that prides itself on freedom and diversity, their fight stands as a reminder of the work still needed to bridge divides and foster understanding.