The Citadel considers exception to allow Muslim hijab

Citadel cadets are required to wear uniforms almost all of the time.

If the request is granted, it would seem to be the first time the public military college in Charleston, South Carolina, has broken its tradition of mandating cadets wear uniforms at practically all times. (At beaches, for example, college rules stipulate that, "Cadets will change into appropriate swimwear upon arrival and change back into uniform when departing.") A spokeswoman said that to her knowledge, in its almost 175-year history, the school has never granted a religious, or other, accommodation that resulted in a change to the uniform ^[1].

The Citadel's policy states it will approve religious requests "unless accommodation will have an adverse impact on a competing institutional interest including, but not limited to, cohesion, morale, good order and discipline, cadet welfare, safety and/or health".

Hooper said it is important for The Citadel to send "a message of inclusion" at a time when Muslim-Americans face increasingly hateful rhetoric. "It's no secret that you can't wear what you want when you're at the Citadel".

The prospect of a possible rule change at The Citadel to accommodate one student brought out varying opinions on social media, with one correspondent noting the student, if denied the opportunity to wear the hijab, "would either have to break the rules of the Citadel or the rules of her religion".

In the case of the incoming cadet's hijab request, Muhammad said it represents "a sticky situation" at a school where cadets are "indoctrinated into a proven situation that works".

Cadet Nick Pinelli, who is expecting to graduate in May, told The Associated Press on Friday that he doesn't think she should be able to wear the headscarf. Instead of showing up seeking a different set of rules, he jumped right into a challenge that was a perpetually uphill battle. "The college may approve requests for religious accommodation in five areas including worship, dietary practices, medial practices, wearing and appearance of uniforms and personal grooming", according to the policy.

There are now three Muslims students at the college, and several Muslims have graduated in the past, according to a school spokeswoman. This month, the Army allowed Capt. Simratpal Singh ^[2] to wear a turban and beard while in uniform, in keeping with his Sikh faith.