Group challenges police policy against officers wearing headscarves
A complaint filed today with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission challenges the Columbus Police Department’s ban on officers wearing headscarves.
The issue came into public view earlier this year when the Columbus Dispatch reported on a woman who had dropped out of the police academy due to the ban. (The scarves, or hijab, are traditionally worn by Muslim women.) When CPD was questioned on the issue, Police Chief Kim Jacobs decided to continue the policy. In Jacobs’ view, when members of the public see a police officer, they should see someone clear of political or religious affiliation. Just last week, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said that he agreed with the decision.
Today’s complaint was filed by the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. They say that the policy is discriminatory against Muslim women. They also say that the ban is a violation of Ohio law requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodation to employees with sincerely-held religious beliefs. (jj)
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