Unjust policy
Secularism is generally defined as the view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs and/or public education. Nowhere in that definition is the outright repression of religious freedoms found. However, French President Jacques Chirac decided to define secularism exactly so by banning religious insignias at school – an act that many believe specifically targets head coverings, such as the traditional Islamic head covering for women called hijab.
This act unreasonably equates a cross that is not obligatory for Christians to wear to the Islamic hijab, Jewish yarmulke and Sikh turban, all head coverings that fulfill religious responsibilities. Furthermore, this undue restriction goes against France’s own cherished principles of democracy and secularism; it violates personal liberties on grounds that have no relation to state functions.
As a Muslim student, I stand in solidarity with all the students in France who face this unnecessary battle between citizenship and faith. Just as importantly, as an American, I stand against this position of the French government that defies the very principles of democracy and freedom upon which our nations were founded and that we all treasure. Many will be gathering this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the French Embassy on Reservoir Road to protest President Chirac’s decision. I hope to see my fellow GW students of conscience there.
–Amna Arshad
senior, ex-officio
Muslim Student Association