Ok, I have a pretty important question and I would like really honest answers....?

Question

I am a muslim TA at a university in a midwestern state here in the US. I am 3 years into my PhD program. Now, I am contemplating wearing a head scarf (traditional hijab for muslim women). My qustion is, how are my undergraduate students going to respond to me and also, the other American faculty members in my department? Will the students evaluate me badly because of my religious beliefs because in the past I have had really good evaluations. I am sure it is going to put up hinderances in my path once I start looking for a job but my greatest concern is whether it will affect my quest toward a PhD degree negatively. Please answer this question honestly assuming that you were an American undergrad or full-time tenured professor? Should I talk to my faculty before making this decision or just give them a surprise and come to the department one fine day all covered up from head-to-toe? What do I do?
Thanks!

Answer 1

It may be a shock to them if you come in one day wearing your hijab since you've gone so long without it. I think you have the right idea of letting them know before you come in. It's your business, but you sound like you already are tuned in that it may come as a shock to some people, so if you're comfortable having to make an announcement about it, that might work well for a transition. Good luck and congrats on your PhD!

Answer 2

Don't take the risk.

Okay, I am none of the people you asked for, but here are my thoughts all the same. You can never tell what's going to happen, or what would have happened had you not worn the scarf. The only way of assuring it won't affect you negatively is to not do it.

I'm not sure about your reasons for wanting to wear one, since you haven't in the past and you said you've not decided but are only considering it.. but in most of America and other western countries the scarf is misunderstood and people are not necessarily judging you for your religion but because they don't understand the whole thing about the scarf.

I say, if you're going to do it, please mention it first. Ask the people at your university for their opinion. Maybe it will also seem like they are involved in the decision (whether it's true or not). If anything they will understand your reasons for this sudden change. They are the people most likely to know how (and if) you would be judged for it, although they might not answer honestly I still think it's worth mentioning.

A lot of people (non Muslims) see the scarf wearing as something Muslim women are doing out of spite and to throw their religion in other's faces, because of all what's been happening recently with tensions.So it can come across negatively. Have you ever discussed them before?

My answer is nothing to do with having the right to wear what you want. Of course you have, anyone does. You also shouldn't have to dress a certain way so people don't misunderstand you or react negatively. But the fact is, this does happen.
And your question was basically asking that. So imo right right now it would not be worth taking the risk that it will.

If you decide to do it, I would say to mention it beforehand at the very least. Or tell them. But don't make it like a big announcement, tell them in a way which is more like asking.

You don't need to ask of course but think of it like ordering food or something. You don't need to be nice about it. You go for a service- they get paid to get you something off the menu which you pay money for. You don't by any means have to say "can I have a sandwhich please" or " I'll have the fish" but depending on the way you word it.. it makes it all the less likely that they'll spit in your food or something... ;-)

I suggest saying to your professor I'm thinking about wearing a scarf, do you think people might get the wrong idea and see me differently for wearing it?
DON'T do it in a way which is concerned about being judged on your religion, as this will offend.
Just MISUNDERSTANDINGS about what the scarf means and your choice to wear it. Especially when you have not before.
Or say you know someone who's had problems so this has put you off wearing one.

Despite all that I really wouldn't be worried, I would say the scarf on it's own (even when finding a job) should be no problem at all. As long as it's not the scarf that covers the whole face and only leaves the eyes (burqa?), but I would still mention it beforehand. It will also give you a chance to discuss what it means. People will probably not want to bring up the subject once you are wearing it in case they offend you.
I personally think they look great. :-)

Answer 3

Universities tend to be more open-minded environments than the real world, so you'll probably have an easier time than, say, showing up at work wearing the hijab.

The real question here is: will anyone's opinion affect your decision? If your advisor tells you that wearing the hijab is probably not a good idea right now, how will you feel? I'm not Muslim but I can sympathize with the challenges of being Muslim today. As a person of faith, you want to express your beliefs but you also know the possible outcomes of expressing those beliefs. It's an unfortunate situation.

In short, if you would accept not wearing the hijab were close friends/colleagues to tell you no, then ask. If your heart or your mind tells you to wear it, I wouldn't bother asking.

Answer 4

~Legally, it will not (can not) affect your standing in the department. As a practical matter, you might better discuss it with at least the department chair before doing it, then guage whether or not you can trust the answer. Since you haven't chosen to wear it for the last 3 years, what statement are you suddenly trying to make by putting it on? More importantly, what statement will you be perceived as making by doing so. Since you have opted to forego it for at least three yours, opting to wear it now will (rightfully) cause people to question your motives.

As to your students, it depends, obviously, on the students. You know them better than I do, theorectically. If you are in a fundamentalist christian school, or the student body is comprised of midwestern rednecks and biggots, expect problems. If you are any kind of teacher at all, your garb will be irrelevant.

You fail to mention your field. A hijab would be a great discussion starter, or even course component, in Socialogy, philosophy or other Liberal Arts or Social Sciences.

Given your obvious concerns and doubts, the obvious answer is "don't do it". Clothes do not the man make. Yeah, right, but if the cover turns you off, will you read the book?

Answer 5

Not an easy question. First the climate on your campus will have a big influence on the outcome. A conservative campus, that values individual (ie religious) rights will be more accepting of your dress. This will be especially be the case if when asked abuot your new mode of dress, that the reasons be explained in the context of religous freedom. A liberal campus values global rights and see symbols of oppression to be as dangerous as the oppression/oppressor itself. There you may find resistance for succumbing to the "Islamic degradation of women" mandated by the religion and symbolized by the hijab. As for publicly identifying yourself as a muslim, that will also be an issue in your relations with your students. How are muslims accepted on your campus and is the wearing of the hajib a small increase in your public expression of your religion or a big increase? The larger the increase over time the larger the possible negative feedback.

Now for the hard question both in terms of answering it personally and publicly - why wear the hajib starting now? If this is to be a personal expression of faith as part of your relationship with Allah, then you may have little to worry about. However, if the hajib is to catalyze public response to the followers and tenets of Islam, then you will need a much tougher hide.

Answer 6

Whether you address it with your students before you make the change or just after, you'll need to address it. If your students come into class all of the sudden one day you're wearing the head scarf, I think people will be more distracted if you don't talk about it and that will make your teaching less effective. Get it out there up front, and move past it.

That said, I think most (but obviously not all) college students are open to cultural differences. If you address it but don't make a huge deal of it, I think your students will treat it in kind.

As for your PhD process, universities want the best students and best professors they can get. They also have a lot of reasons that make it beneficial for them to promote diversity on their campuses, both in their student body and faculty. I don't think that your decision to wear a head scarf will have a bearing on your candidacy or future professorship, and if certain organizations hold it against you, there not the kinds of places you want to work / study anyways.

Answer 7

On the average, Americans prefer to be able to see the person they deal with. It makes them more comfortable. It can cause problems for you because of unconscious or conscious prejudice by professors.

There is also the matter of a growing prejudice against Muslims by Americans. The hijab that does not cover the face, but rather looks more like a scarf that covers the hair is much more acceptable. The Midwest has a great deal of believers in the Bible who feel that everyone should believe as they. Prejudice may run quite strong there.


Example of less threatening dress:
http://hodja.wordpress.com/files/2006/08/hijab.jpg

The last thing I wish to mention is that the full face hijab presents security problems as it hides the true identity of the person and this can create problems in general life in a heightened security situation as the US has these days.

Best of luck to you

Answer 8

I worked at Purdue University for a few years - in the Graduate department. I have been around numerous Muslims and from experience, I can tell you, wear your head scarf. I don't know what college you are referring to, but at Purdue, every one was treated equally and, I know it sounds cliche', but regardless of your religion, nationality, etc. - it really isn't an issue. Of course you have immature teens any where you go, but I can honestly say Purdue is such a diverse institution, no one will even think twice. My new boss is an American Muslim. She is also African American. She wears a head scarf and the only reason we notice it is because they are so 'lavish'.

Answer 9

Hang on,I thought you said that you were planning to wear the head scarf,not the cover up from head to toe (burqua).Which one are you planning on wearing?As far as the college professers,there are anti-discrimination laws in place that would make it illegal for them to give you a bad evaluation because of your dressing.The students though,may be a different story.Most of them will probably be fine with it,but there may be a few who will react with hostility or rude comments,probably more students would be hostile towards the burqua than the hijab.You don't have to give them any warning,but of course it's up to you.Regarding all of this though,it's really up to whatever you feel you are led to do.

Answer 10

I can't answer for others, but for me honestly I wouldn't feel anything differently about you then I did before you did the cover up. This is your life, your religion and something you feel you need to do for you. Just because of a few bad apples, it doesn't make the basket full of them. And some people have to remember that..but what is sad is they don't and that is were the hate comes in and it's not fair to the rest of the Muslims in the World!!! Take Care