Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Resolution Regarding Protected Choice of Hijab
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution recognizing that the wearing of hijab is a protected choice.
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BACKGROUND:
In February of 2022, a Muslim elementary school crossing guard was targeted and harassed with hate speech by protesters in Brentwood, California, because she was wearing a hijab.
A small protest, in January of this year, made national headlines after several government-run educational institutions, in the state of Karnataka in India, denied entry to students wearing hijabs.
Muslim women also face discrimination and “hijab-bans” in Western countries and states, such as the ban on the hijab in sport competitions in France and the prohibition on government workers wearing the hijab in Quebec.
DISCUSSION:
One of America’s greatest strengths as a society has been our ability to embrace our different faiths and allow their members to express themselves freely. The people of San Mateo County and the United States come from a variety of backgrounds and are united in certain foundational beliefs such as affirming the inherent dignity of all persons, the right of every person to be treated with respect, and the right of all citizens to practice their religion freely.
The recognition of the wearing of the hijab as a protected choice will allow San Mateo County to show solidarity with Muslim women who wear hijab around the world, ease anxiety of Muslim San Mateo County residents, and support that the hijab is a proud display of religious faith and communal bonding, which in turn, will make us stronger as a nation and County and more accepting of others.
FISCAL IMPACT:
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