Hijab-Wearing Students Shock Christian University with Solidarity Campaign
The protest at the Church-owned university has seen students don the traditional Islamic garment in solidarity with Muslims in the community.
For the past three weeks, the student activists at the Mormon-owned Brigham Young University, in Utah, USA, have shocked campus with their newfound Islamic fashion.
Most students at the university are members of the Christian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
However, these activists, most of whom are majoring in Middle Eastern studies, say they want to spread diversity and fight discrimination.
They insist the group’s effort sends a message that Muslims are not alone.
A Facebook page called On Wednesdays We Wear Hijab organizes the protest and asks other students to join them by wearing a hijab every Wednesday.
The group say they will continue with their solidarity protest into the new year.
One of the protesting students, Sondra Sasser, explained: "A lot of Muslims are feeling uncomfortable about things.
"They are feeling scared about things or just misunderstood, and so any show of solidarity I think can be touching."
She dismissed any controversy around the protest, which has raised eyebrows around campus, as people "getting excited about seeing diversity".
She added: "We have a lot in common with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I have a lot of respect for the faith.
"The best way to understand it is to talk to Muslims, and I know that the people who will will be very impressed by it."
Hanif Sulaeman, from the university’s Muslim Association, backs the campaign.
He said: "If you wear hijab, you don't have to worry about that. It's just be simple, be you, and I think that is the message."
Source: Sunday Express
