ASU Police Accused of Forcibly Removing Hijabs from Arrested Muslim Women at Pro-Palestinian Protest

Arizona State University (ASU) police are facing accusations of religious persecution after allegedly forcibly removing hijabs from four Muslim women arrested during pro-Palestinian protests on the university's campus. The incident has sparked outrage among the local Muslim community and civil rights advocates.

According to the Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ), ASU police officers were seen on video removing a woman's hijab during an arrest at the protest. Reports indicate that at least four women had their Islamic headscarves forcibly removed by police while being taken into custody.

The protesters were demanding that ASU divest from companies they claim are profiting from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The university has been the site of ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations in recent weeks, with nearly 100 people arrested earlier this week when protesters refused to leave an on-campus encampment.

CAIR-AZ has condemned the actions of the ASU police, stating that the First Amendment guarantees the free practice of religion and that law enforcement cannot suspend this right, even during arrests. The organization is investigating the incident and has called for a full inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved.

Why this matters: The alleged removal of hijabs by police raises serious concerns about the respect for religious freedom and the conduct of law enforcement during political demonstrations. The incident has the potential to further inflame tensions between the university, student activists, and the wider Muslim community.

ASU has faced criticism for its handling of the ongoing protests, with one professor accusing administrators of failing students and faculty by not fostering an environment where important conversations can take place. The protests at ASU are part of a broader movement at major universities across the U.S. calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel's actions in Gaza.

"The First Amendment guarantees the free practice of religion," said a spokesperson for CAIR-AZ. "Police cannot suspend this right, even during an arrest. We are investigating this disturbing incident and demand a full inquiry into the actions of the officers involved." ASU officials have not yet commented on the specific allegations but have previously defended the university's response to the protests as necessary to maintain public safety on campus.

Key Takeaways

• ASU police accused of forcibly removing hijabs from 4 Muslim women at pro-Palestinian protest
• CAIR-AZ condemns actions, says police cannot suspend religious freedom rights during arrests
• Protests at ASU part of broader movement calling for divestment from companies linked to Gaza
• ASU faces criticism for handling of protests, accused of failing to foster open dialogue
• CAIR-AZ demands full inquiry into conduct of officers involved in the alleged hijab removals