Uncovering diversity

LSA senior Iman Sedique

The University of Michigan prides itself on the cultural diversity of its student body. Along with this diversity comes markers of difference – some invisible, some impossible to miss. Among such markers is the hijab, a head covering worn by Muslim women in accordance with religious traditions of modesty.

Thousands of Muslim women around the world, including those living in Europe and the United States, choose to wear hijab. Often, this head scarf is the subject of heated debate. Since 2004, France, Canada, Belgium and the United States have all sought to ban some form of the hijab from schools or work places. Non-Muslims tend to view the head scarf – and the burqa, its full-body counterpart – as an antiquated means of oppression.

For many Muslim women, however, the hijab is far from a symbol of oppression. It is a symbol of their religious identity.
The Independent interviewed three University students about their experiences wearing hijab at the University.

Eman Abdelhadi is a junior majoring in Political Science, Economics and Sociology.

The Independent: Why did you choose to wear hijab?

Eman: I started wearing hijab when I was nine years old because I thought it was the “grown up” thing to do. As I grew older, I started to see [the hijab] as a big part of Muslim women’s identity. Wearing hijab gives Muslim women the right to contribute to society without being judged based on appearance. It is a counter pressure to this society, which judges women based on their appearance.

Have you ever been treated differently for wearing hijab, particular at the University of Michigan?

I don’t think that I face blatant discrimination but, at the same time, in my classes there is a perception among students that perhaps I am more sheltered. There is a tendency for people to think of Muslim women as reserved and weak-minded. I think people are surprised that I have very strong opinions on certain issues and that I am a very outspoken person.

In what ways can we work to improve the experience Muslim women have at the University?

To improve the minority experience at Michigan, student groups that promote interaction with different minorities should [be less like] “cliques.” [This way] we can create cultural interactions and more diversity.

Iman Sediqe is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Sociology, minoring in Afroamerican and African Studies (CAAS).

The Independent: Describe your four years here at Michigan.

Iman: I really enjoyed my time at Michigan. Coming from a smaller community in Ohio, I was the only minority in my school. I really enjoyed how diverse and open-minded the Michigan environment is, and the emphasis on how important diversity is. It’s refreshing. It so nice having so many opportunities being involved in a wide array of activities that Michigan fosters.

Why did you first choose to wear hijab?

When I was young I used to read Islamic books around the house. I had a strong desire to practice my religion on a daily basis in a deeply spiritual way so it could extend to all aspects of my life. My main motivation to practice was to charter and conduct more modestly, and wearing hijab was a physical manifestation of that.

Have you ever felt judged or looked down on for wearing hijab, particularly at U of M?

I feel that a physical marker of being a minority in the United States will naturally lead to a reaction in people. Just as communities of color have faced discrimination because of their identity, as a women who wears hijab I also face discrimination even at Michigan. Thankfully, Michigan is a much more welcoming atmosphere where diversity is appreciated. It has been easier wearing hijab at Michigan than my small town in Ohio, but at the same time the experience of discrimination I faced at Michigan, just as all others, doesn’t reflect the community, but rather lack of knowledge a particular individual may have.

Do you have any advice for students?

As someone who has had the opportunity to learn in an environment that has diversity and one without much diversity, I have really come to appreciate the depth of learning that diversity fosters. We are really fortunate as students at Michigan to get involved in a variety of classes and activities where diversity is important. I would recommend getting involved in student groups that you may not have [considered]. You can get great exposure taking classes in IGR or in different fields that give you the perspective of a professor you may not have had. [I would recommend] classes in American Culture, CAAS and Sociology for providing a strong new perspective on many issues in different cultures.

Sarah Abe is a sophomore majoring in Arabic, Armenian, Persian, Turkish and Islamic Studies (AAPTIS) and Sociology. Sarah converted to Islam in August of 2008.

The Independent: What made you convert to Islam?

Sarah: After seeing my best friend’s family, who is Muslim, I saw the close family bond they had. I began being more with Muslim community; the brotherhood and the sisterhood made me feel like I was Muslim. This type of closeness is something I never encountered in my life. I didn’t convert to Islam with a lot of research done, but now I am studying about Islam.

Why do you wear hijab?

I think it’s beautiful how you don’t have to do stuff to your hair. [...] I feel free in that I don’t need a certain hairstyle to look good or impress someone. It shows who you are and what you look like from inside.

Do you face any challenges or setbacks wearing hijab at U of M?

U of M is pretty liberal. It’s not bad compared to back home where there are a lot of racial problems in my community [Coldwater, MI].