In an effort to show support and solidarity, women across the UConn campus and the country are wearing the traditional hijab, headscarves that are worn by Muslim women.
Campus Safe, an organization focused on fighting relationship violence and sexual assault at UConn, started this action. Women have been wearing the headscarves from Sept 24 through Sept. 28 and they have renewed the action for the week of Oct.1 through Oct. 5.
Anne D'Alleva, an art history and women's studies professor, is one of the founding members of this action.
"I felt that we had a very troubled campus with Muslim students getting harassed. I felt like I had to do something," D'Alleva said. "This is a very visible anti-racist movement it is no longer us and them it's everybody."
The hijab is the headscarf that Muslim women wear to fulfill the Islamic requirement of both men and women of dressing modestly.
Khalid Alyahya, a member of the Student Muslim Association said the hijab is not a sign of oppression but liberation for Muslim women.
"Muslim women would rather be judged on who they are rather than the bases of physical appearance. The hijab is to play down competition and focus on a women's intellect and experience," he said. "For some it is I should be valued for my person rather than the way I look."
Heading into its second week, the action has gained more support according to D'Alleva.
"I think the response has been positive; more people have joined the action already this week. A lot of people have voiced their support and the response has been very positive, I have received a few messages where people presented different viewpoints but that's ok too," D'Alleva said.
One student who joined the action yesterday night was Stephanie Lunt, a 5th-semester human development and family studies major.
"I think it is really important to speak out against any sort of crime because who's going be there for me. Any sort of act of hate is an act against me. This is my community, a place to live that is safe for everybody," she said.
Some female students expressed interest in joining the action but fear insulting Muslim women.
"I really like the idea but I don't want to insult their culture. I feel like I am imposing on their culture, but I want to do this," said A.J. Farrel, a 5 th-semester math major.
"Students in the Muslim student association are very supportive. The headscarf is not a religious act anyone can wear it," D'Alleva said. "A number of Muslim women are happy that people would care so much to make such a statement."
"What I've seen has been a good impression coming from non-Muslim women is making [Muslim women] feel more comfortable, acceptable, more appreciated," Alyahya said.
Iram Chaudhary, a 5 th-semester allied health major and practicing Muslim said she appreciates the action.
"I think it's pretty good. It makes me feel comfortable," she said. "People are thinking properly and they think with their brains. They know that not everyone is the same. Just because someone did something that not all who follow the religion are the same."
Art history professor Robin Greeley, who is a participant in the action is, very happy she that she is participating.
"I am very happy because I feel that there are two reasons; first given the tragedy of Sept. 11 we must not compound that loss of life with any further tragedies such as racism and an inability to understand the historical circumstances of the Sept. 11 tragedy," she said. "Also I have lived in the Middle East and have personal family members who are Muslim, and we all understand Islam to be a religion of peace and understanding. The clear second reason is that racism is a reprehensible crime that belittles our university, our nation and humanity."
There have been reports of Muslim students and women wearing the hijab being harassed.
Chaudhary said she has not had any harassment on the UConn campus.
"On the campus itself I haven't felt anything, most of the students are very supportive but off campus yes [I've been harassed]," Chaudhary said.
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