Who is the “Hijab Ban” targeting?

The NYPD forces Muslim women to remove the hijab when arrested. Our clients include a survivor of domestic violence who was traumatized when officers forced her to undress in front of a room full of men.

What does the “Hijab Ban” policy say?

When the NYPD arrests a woman who wears the hijab, they force these women to make a traumatizing choice. Either they remove their hijab in full view of men, or they spend hours longer in jail to have their photo taken by a woman. But even if they agree to spend hours more in custody, those photos are then shared with male officers, prosecutors, and court employees.

How is the “Hijab Ban” implemented?

This policy is bad as written, but it’s even worse as implemented. NYPD officers have threatened and harassed Muslim women for simply asserting their rights. One woman, Jamilla Clark, described being held for hours. She broke down in tears when repeatedly told to remove her hijab. Jamilla was eventually transferred, but only after NYPD officers threatened her with jail time for invoking her rights.

Why donate?

It is wrong for the NYPD to force New Yorkers to violate their faith. We’ve fought the “Hijab Ban” in court for over a year, and with your support, we can, inshAllah, end this abuse!

For more information on our campaign, please visit: https://www.stopspying.org/hijab