People say an official uniform is imposed in an institution to signify a commitment to work with a team together, in spite of individual differences. Some believe, however, that other cases call for a compromise, especially if regulated standards clash with personal beliefs such as religion.
A Muslim military aspirant, Sana Hamze of Florida sent a plea to The Citadel, a military college she got accepted to, if she can wear her hijab with her uniform, in observance of her religion. Unfortunately, the Citadel declined it, saying that doing so would disobey regulations in the school and would account as giving special treatment to Hamze, reports The Washington Post.
Sana Hamze did not understand the decision, citing a Defense Department Order in 2014 that allowed religious headgear, beards, tattoos and piercings for the military. She can't fathom why a military institution would see it as a problem when the military permits it, notes Wach Fox 57.
Sana Hamze simply couldn't give up her religious beliefs to follow school regulations so she looked for another institution that would be more considerate of her situation. Fortunately, according to The Post and Courier, Norwich University gladly accepted her, even planning to revise the Corps of Cadet Standard Operating Procedures that will permit students to wear clothing associated with their religion.
"Our cadets come from all walks of life. Regardless of their spiritual or religious affliation, all students and employees should feel welcome and comfortable at Norwich University," Norwich president Richard Schneider wrote in a letter to parents, alumni, students and staff as published by The Post and Courier.
Sana Hamze's father is a deputy sheriff and a regional operations director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida. She and her father are discussing the possibility of filing a legal suit against The Citadel for the racial discrimination Hamze experienced, via The Washington Post.
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