Defense department agrees to allow Muslim cadets to wear hijabs

[jimnyc]

Bad decision, IMO. When they do their drills they are going to look funny with the egg crates joining in. And with this decision, how long before muslims start demanding the same in the regular military? I don't think this is a change that needs to be done. Allow muslims their opportunity to pray when necessary and that should be sufficient. I find this to be a mockery and hope it stays with the jrotc and goes no further.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced today that the Department of Defense will begin allowing Muslim and Sikh students who wear an Islamic head scarf (hijab) or a turban to participate in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).

“We welcome the fact that Muslim and Sikh students nationwide will now be able to participate fully in JROTC leadership activities while maintaining their religious beliefs and practices,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

In October, the Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization wrote to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta after a 14-year-old Muslim student at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn., was forced to transfer out of a JROTC class when her commanding officers told her she could not wear hijab while marching in the September homecoming parade.

CAIR requested constitutionally-protected religious accommodations for the girl and for future Muslim JROTC participants.

In a Dec. 19 letter sent to CAIR, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Larry Stubblefield wrote:

”I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta to your October 13, 2011 letter concerning Miss Demin Zawity’s request to wear a religious head covering (hijab) while participating in an Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) event at Ravenwood High School.

“Based on your concerns, the Army has reviewed its JROTC uniform policy and will develop appropriate procedures to provide Cadets the opportunity to request the wear of religious head dress, such as the turban and hijab. This change will allow Miss Zawity and other students the chance to fully participate in the JROTC program. Additionally, a representative from the U.S. Army Cadet Command will contact Miss Zawity and provide her the opportunity to rejoin the Ravenwood High School JROTC unit.

“The Army prides itself in being a diverse organization, comprised of individuals from many faiths and religions. We appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention.”

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fea...o-wear-hijabs/

[gabosaurus]

Bad decision, IMO. When they do their drills they are going to look funny with the egg crates joining in. And with this decision, how long before muslims start demanding the same in the regular military? I don't think this is a change that needs to be done. Allow muslims their opportunity to pray when necessary and that should be sufficient. I find this to be a mockery and hope it stays with the jrotc and goes no further.

Absolutely agreed. The military should allow no exceptions to their rules of dress and decorum.

[ConHog]

I don't even think they should be given special times for prayer. The COTUS doesn't apply to the military. Some of these loons need to be told that. if that means no Muslims in the military, who gives a fuck.

[CSM]

Fer cryin out loud. There always has been a policy about wearing religious garb in the military. Obviously, the leaders in that particular JROTC program either did not understand the rules or did not care. Also, it is clear that the idiot who wrote the letter didn't understand the rules either. *sheesh*, it's not like she was trying to bring a cupcake on a plane!

[fj1200]

Bad decision, IMO.

What do Muslims where now in the military?

[ConHog]

What do Muslims where now in the military?

BDUs, standard covers, and RPG's if needed ..................

[jimnyc]

What do Muslims where now in the military?

Every soldier I've ever seen wore the same uniforms as their fellow soldiers. Every Muslim I've ever seen identified in any of the military branches has been dressed as your typical soldier. I'm sure the soldiers/vets on this board can tell us more about what Muslims wore/wear that they know of based on the military code and their own experiences.

[Gaffer]

It's obviously a junior rotc class in a liberal school. Since such classes get funding from the military recruiters they will probably see a demand to cease and desist or lose their funding. The court case will be pending. Just another attempt by muslims to undermine our culture.

[Noir]

What exactly is the JORTC?

Like is it an actual branch of the military of more of a hobby club with military connections?

[darin]

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_...Training_Corps

[Gunny]

Bad decision, IMO. When they do their drills they are going to look funny with the egg crates joining in. And with this decision, how long before muslims start demanding the same in the regular military? I don't think this is a change that needs to be done. Allow muslims their opportunity to pray when necessary and that should be sufficient. I find this to be a mockery and hope it stays with the jrotc and goes no further.



http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fea...o-wear-hijabs/

Agreed. Bad decision.

They shave our heads, put us in identical uniforms with identical equipment to support teamwork. There are no individuals.

First the military began catering to blacks. No-shaving chits for pseudofolliculitis barbae. If you were/are white and have that or bad acne, tough shit. Prior to it being a Federal holiday, blacks got most or all of MLK Day off to attend services and/or parades. Then, in the mid-90's, black women got over on not wearing headgear if it interfered with their African Heritage hairstyles.

Now we're catering to another loud-mouthed minority. Great.

[ConHog]

Agreed. Bad decision.

They shave our heads, put us in identical uniforms with identical equipment to support teamwork. There are no individuals.

First the military began catering to blacks. No-shaving chits for pseudofolliculitis barbae. If you were/are white and have that or bad acne, tough shit. Prior to it being a Federal holiday, blacks got most or all of MLK Day off to attend services and/or parades. Then, in the mid-90's, black women got over on not wearing headgear if it interfered with their African Heritage hairstyles.

Now we're catering to another loud-mouthed minority. Great.

When I went through boot, we couldn't even wear watches and or sunglasses. EVERYONE had to look identical. Right down to and including glasses if a person needed them. All RPGs. couldn't even wear regular eyeglasses.