CAIR Welcomes Repeal of Oregon Ban on Teachers' Hijab

Educators of all faiths will now have their religious rights protected

WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the signing into law of legislation that will end Oregon's 87-year-long ban on teachers wearing Islamic head scarves (hijab) or the religious attire of other faiths.

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The lifting of the ban will go into effect after the 2010-11 school year to give time to write policies for implementing the new law. Now only two other states, Pennsylvania and Nebraska, have restrictions on teachers' religious attire.

SEE: Governor Signs Repeal on Teachers' Religious Dress

http://tinyurl.com/hijabbanrepeal

"We welcome the repeal of the ban on teachers' religious attire and hope legislators in Pennsylvania and Nebraska will now follow Oregon's example of respect for religious freedom and diversity," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "This change in the law protects the rights of educators of all faiths."

Hooper said CAIR has consistently defended the right of Americans of all faiths to wear religious attire in the workplace, in schools, in courtrooms, and as customers in public venues such as banks. CAIR chapters in Oklahoma and Minnesota helped block proposed legislation that would have prohibited wearing hijab in driver's license photographs.

SEE: Calif. Muslim Fired Over Hijab Appears on Fox

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBvP3NIgn5Q

Okla. Muslim Takes Driver's License Photo with Hijab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-m6zBTRqw

Credit Union Regrets Muslim Woman's Treatment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onoNCK-WVZg

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations