The definition of where the secular world should end and the religious world begin continues to be a muddy one as evidenced by Ibtihaj Muhammad’s recent experience at SXSW
UPDATE 3:00PM PT, 3/12/16: SXSW said in a statement: “It is not our policy that a hijab or any religious head covering be removed in order to pick up a SXSW badge. This was one volunteer who made an insensitive request and that person has been removed for the duration of the event. We are embarrassed by this and have apologized to Ibtihaj in person, and sincerely regret this incident.”
Ibtihaj Muhammad used her Twitter profile to explain what happened when she checked in at South by Southwest. Ms. Muhammad is the first woman to ever represent the U.S. in a hijab and is scheduled to appear on a panel at SXSW on Saturday.
I was just asked to remove my hijab at SXSW Registration for my ID badge.. I can't make this stuff up #SXSW2016
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) March 12, 2016
Even after I explained it was for religious reasons, he insisted I had to remove my hijab for the photo to receive my badge #SXSW2016
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) March 12, 2016
Thennnnn I was given the wrong ID! From now on my name is Tamir & I work for Time Warner Inc #SXSW2016 pic.twitter.com/TE3jJR16P6
— Ibtihaj Muhammad (@IbtihajMuhammad) March 12, 2016
Ibtihaj Muhammad seems to have taken the experience in stride, but her experience does serve to remind us the the secular and non-secular worlds continue to collide in the 21st century.