Ohio High School Athletic Association Rules Their Actions “Wrong” in Disqualification of a Runner Wearing Hijab
by Selina Bakkar in Culture & Lifestyle on 28th October, 2019
A day of two tales evolved last week, for two Muslim women in sports, both with separate stories but one theme; the hijab. As a video emerged of one of the Muslim women adjusting her hijab frantically after it was accidentally pulled back during her football match teammates from the competing team quickly spotted her struggle, ran over and circled her so to give her privacy.
For some odd reason (perhaps not so odd) I saw this tweet and instantly teared up. I’m so grateful to see kindness among athletes where score takes second seat to respect. Thank you, unnamed athletes. I applaud you. To the girl wearing the hijab – thanks for letting them help. https://t.co/bEc8WIG3pt
— Glenn Wilson (@coachfit) October 26, 2019
The same day the hashtag with #WeStandWithNoor, #IStandWithNoor, and #LetNoorRun began to fill Twitter and Facebook as news broke that 16-year-old Noor Alexandria Abukaram was disqualified by Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) last weekend because of wearing her hijab.
She was informed not directly by the Association but by her teammates, in addition, she could not find her name on the results sheet despite coming first and achieving her PB. In a video by TRT World below she shares “..it felt like getting hit by a truck…”. Noor not only took part but won the 5 k and has been competing for a number of years.
This Muslim girl from the US state of Ohio was disqualified from a cross-country run because she was wearing a headscarf pic.twitter.com/ihw2YQ6D59
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 28, 2019
Noor has been supported by fencer Ibtihaj Mohammad who stated:
“These bigots have to be stopped.”
Along with Shireen Ahmed, prominent Sports Activist & Consultant.
Many other Muslim women in sports have supported her through the last few days too.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by I B T I H A J (@ibtihajmuhammad) on
I am mad as hell about what happened to Noor Abukaram.
This is another example of an unnecessary and ridiculous policy around hijab in sport. #LetNoorRun— Shireen Footybedsheets Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) October 25, 2019
The association has since responded as per the tweet by OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass where they express the rule is wrong and they will ensure it doesn’t happen again.
While much was misrepresented about a very unfortunate situation at last week’s OHSAA District CC meet, I am proud of our staff that immediately began working on correcting a wrong. Please note the attached. pic.twitter.com/3iRlsvz95L
— Jerry Snodgrass (@Jerry_Snodgrass) October 26, 2019
I’ve got your back, Noor. Every kid should be able to feel safe and welcome at school—and Muslim students should never be denied participation in school activities. My public school plan fights discriminatory dress codes that exclude students like Noor. https://t.co/cNEZfnk3vy
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) October 24, 2019
Noor is an extraordinary young woman who is fighting not just for herself, but for hijabi runners everywhere. As a runner myself, this truly irked me. Here's our conversation on what happened when she was disqualified from her race because of her hijab https://t.co/kMMbAHVBsQ
— Rowaida Abdelaziz (@Rowaida_Abdel) October 24, 2019
Selina Bakkar
I'm a simply striving to be better and improve in different areas of my life through more self awareness, experiences and learning more about the deen. You'll find me talking about community, connection, planting & growing, seeking the truth in an age of propaganda and misinformation. This year I want to document more to do with food heritage and history so watch this space or reach out. Have a listen to the Amaliah Voices podcast where I talk passionately about Islam, nature, motherhooding and back home. Link in bio peeps. To join the Amaliah Writer Community email me at selina@amaliah.com IG: SelinaBakkar
