Running to End Discrimination


Ohio teen, Noor Abukaram, was recently disqualified after running her best time in a race, because she wore a hijab. Her time from this race allowed her to go to regionals, but the officials did not count her race because she did not have a waiver to wear her hijab during the run. The Ohio High School Athletic Association originally instituted this rule, but since Noor’s incident, they’ve received backlash and are considering changing the policy. (CLICK HERE to read about how the OHSAA justifies the disqualification.) 

Abukaram states that being Muslim interferes with athletics for people of the faith all over. Wearing religious coverings tends to make Muslim athletes feel alienated, and the waiver doesn’t help. She shared that this was not the only incident in her family regarding conflicts with religious garb and sports, and that her sister has also been asked to change for soccer. After being forced to sign a waiver for wearing a hijab, Abukaram’s story was heard all over, and there is a push to have the waiver rule abolished. Coaches, teammates and family members of Abukaram are striving to have the OHSAA rule removed to create a more including and open minded environment for all Muslim and non-Muslim athletes. (CLICK HERE for more on Noor’s story.) Since Noor Abukarams incident, the OHSAA has seriously considered removing the rule. 

There has always been some controversy surrounding whether or not it’s necessary for sports to have restrictions on religious garments. In our world today, do you think these rules are rational? Why should this kind of discrimination be allowed in sports?

Comments

  1. Mr. LawlerNovember 11, 2019 at 11:37 AM

    From Leo:
    “Great look at how religion can interfere with sports, Matina. It’s important to recognize athletes achievements regardless of their religious affiliation.“

    ReplyDelete

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