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General discussion

Possible First Amendment issue?

Apr 28, 2015 12:37AM PDT
Somali woman denied entry into police academy over head scarf

The pictured woman is from Alberta, CA so they've apparently worked out a remedy. For the local woman, it's not as though she was wanting to wear a religious symbol on her uniform. It's a requirement that she wear the scarf and not an option. She wants to be a police officer but a religious practice has become a barrier to her desire. My own thought is that, unless it can be shown that the scarf is a safety issue or interferes with her being able to discharge here duties, the policy should be re-visited with the intention of finding compromise. If this is the only part of her religion that's come into question, it seems silly to not try and accommodate her...IMO.

Discussion is locked

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I'm not in favor of such accomodation
Apr 28, 2015 3:50AM PDT

It's a uniform issue and that makes it important. If you can't do the uniform, you can't do the job.

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Felt similar until I thought about it
Apr 28, 2015 4:15AM PDT

Thinking is a good thing. I believe we limit ourselves too much at times by clinging to old traditions that can't cover today's needs. Uniforms have a purpose and they change over time due to changing needs. This isn't new.

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It's not a physical ailment
Apr 28, 2015 4:28AM PDT

and even those can disqualify. This is something she can change. If she is unable to change, then she shouldn't be awarded the job anymore than someone who is physically unable to do so. There are other jobs she can do that won't require her to lay aside the scarf. It's not discrimination, it's a job requirement, but if they change the requirement for her, then they put a religious consideration ahead of the job, and isn't this claimed to be a secular society? For many it would be the same as someone making a cross or crucifix a part of their uniform, outside of being assigned that as a department job. If you can't meet the uniform code and can't meet the requirements, you can seek employment elsewhere, you haven't been discriminated against based on race nor religion, it's your belief that is discriminating against the job and it's requirements. It's no different than hiring a JW who would refuse to carry a weapon on the job where it was a requirement. That person also can have both his beliefs and seek employment elsewhere that doesn't have such requirement.

If she was allowed the scarf, then wouldn't it be due to her religious beliefs? If it was snatched off her her during an arrest, would that not just be resisting arrest but also violating her religious rights? No, she needs to either conform to the job requirements, or look for another job.

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I'd agree that linking this to first amendment rights
Apr 28, 2015 6:39AM PDT

would be a stretch as it's not about the making of law. It is about policy and I would hope that good policy has some reasonable thinking behind it. Your mention of JWs having religious restrictions isn't the same as the wearing of religious attire. Even our military has uniform code allowing chaplains (who are commissioned officers) to identify themselves as so and of what faith they adhere to. It's policy not civil law. Now should the woman's faith not allow her to carry out certain routine functions expected of other officers, it would be different. There's a reason she wants to join a police force. If that reason is an admirable one and she can meet all other qualifications, I'd not have a problem with a policy change to let her in. People who put sincere effort into studies and training for a career in public service are different from those who just seek government jobs for the security they offer.

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I mentioned chaplain position
Apr 28, 2015 12:15PM PDT

as a possible police job she might apply for, if her religion allowed women to serve as such, and if the police have such position available. Different job requirement that might fit with her particular belief.

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A female Muslim chaplain?
Apr 28, 2015 6:27PM PDT

That's not going to happen and I doubt that's the door she wants to walk through. Chaplains of other faith don't immerse themselves in military science courses in order to enter the armed services. The article doesn't mention what area of police work she hoped to be a part of but I'd think any position other women engage in should be open to her if the dumb scarf thing can be reconciled.