US military school denies request to wear headscarf

The Citadel military school in South Carolina has denied a request by a newly admitted student to wear a traditional Muslim headscarf.

The Citadel said last month it was considering the woman’s request to wear the head covering known as a hijab. But college president retired Lt. Gen John Rosa says in a statement Tuesday that after considerable review, the college has denied the request.

He says the cadet system is based on a common uniform and standardization of cadets in appearance, actions and privileges is essential to the military system.

The statement says the college recognizes the importance of the spiritual and religious beliefs of cadets and makes accommodations for prayer and dietary needs.

He says he still hopes the student, whose name hasn’t been released, will enroll.

— AP