Issue about human rights

THE EDITOR: The ongoing debate regarding a young woman wearing a hijab at a prominent Hindu school is more than “Sat versus the hijab” or the usual “every creed and race.” It is about fundamental human rights for every citizen of this country.

I believe that all institutions that receive funding from taxpayers should be open to every citizen, and Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu School is no exception.

However, that being said, I am curious how the Government will argue this case, considering that every day citizens are denied entry and service at various government departments simply because they have not followed some arbitrary dress code instituted by petty bureaucrats.

It was reported that Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said the hijab issue is not the same as wearing a sleeveless blouse or shorts but it is the same. The only difference is that this case involves religion. But religious rights are not greater nor lesser than any other basic human right.

I will defend this young woman’s right to wear her hijab. I hope her experience of being viewed as “the other” helps her to develop empathy for all people who are perceived as “the other.” After all, it was hijab-wearing women who recently allegedly spat on and assaulted people on the steps of the Hall of Justice fighting for their fundamental human rights.

TAMARA TYLA, Princes Town