Richards celebrates World Hijab Day

To demonstrate support for Muslim students and staff members, Richards High School once again celebrated World Hijab Day.

Throughout the day non-Muslim female staff members wore hijab, or head covering. Many male non-Muslim staff members wore a traditional Muslim scarf as well.

“We asked our faculty and staff to consider expressing their solidarity with our Muslim students by wearing hijab for the day,” said Allison Williams, one of many Richards teachers who has organized the effort the past four years.

Organizers of World Hijab Day plan the event with two purposes.

“By wearing hijab, non-Muslim women can take a physical stand against the discrimination and hatred sometimes experienced by the Muslim families in our communities. In addition, non-Muslims can walk in the shoes of our Muslim sisters by wearing hijab and experiencing the possible range of reactions from others. It is a peaceful exercise that is based in support and solidarity,” Williams said.

In the past some people have wondered whether World Hijab Day can be perceived as disrespectful or as an example of cultural appropriation.

“Interestingly,the numerous Muslim women and students/teachers that I consulted were unanimously supportive. I also requested that my Muslim friends put this question out to their own Muslim friends and families and, again, the response was unanimously positive,” Williams said.

As in the past, Muslim students and colleagues reacted positively to seeing the
demonstration of support from teachers and friends.

“I think our students need to know that we stand by them and that we always will. If they are listening to the media, they may hear terrible things about their faith or countries of origin. They need to know that we care,” she said.