The Citadel says no to hijabs

[rug]

CBS/AP/ May 10, 2016, 10:18 AM
Last Updated May 10, 2016 5:32 PM EDT

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Citadel military college, known for its buttoned-up uniforms and strict discipline, decided Tuesday that a newly accepted female student cannot wear a traditional Muslim headscarf if she enrolls in the fall.

The decision disappointed the student, according to a family spokesman who said they are considering legal options because they believe "it's the same issue faced by African-Americans and women in this situation."

The school didn't immediately embrace the first African-American cadets during the 1960s and fought the enrollment of women in the 1990s before relenting.

Commandant of Cadets Geno Paluso said allowing the student to wear the head covering known as a hijab wouldn't be consistent with the school's policy of having cadets look similar.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-citadel-military-college-denies-muslim-student-hijab/

[tonyt53]

1. The cadet knew the rules when she applied.

[rug]

6. She did. The Citadel didn't.

It was one of the last to accept segregation was not the rule,

http://diverseeducation.com/article/8050/

[cloudbase]

2. Years of tradition,

unencumbered by progress.

[rug]

3. An unsavory tradition.

http://www.civilwar.org/hallowed-ground-magazine/winter-2010/the-citadels-big-red-flag.html

[procon]

4. If their funding sources include tax money, they can't discriminate.

Even if they don't get tax support, there are other laws that protect people from discrimination or religious bigotry. Besides, the military already allows such religious clothing to be worn with uniforms.

Its just a weak cover for perpetuating sexism and bigotry.

[rug]

5. Anout 9% of its revenue is from the government.

http://osa.sc.gov/stateengagements/citadel/Documents/Financial%20Statements/H0912.pdf