CHARLESTON: 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 said in a statement on Tuesday that after considerable review, the college has denied the request.

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

The statement said the college recognises the importance of the spiritual and religious beliefs of cadets and makes accommodations for prayer and dietary needs. He said he still hopes the student, whose name hasn’t been released, will enroll.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2016