DOJ investigates ASU, MCSO for removing women’s hijabs

DOJ investigates ASU, MCSO for removing women’s hijabs

TEMPE, AZ – The Department of Justice is investigating Arizona State University Police and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Officers removed the hijabs of several women arrested at a campus protest earlier this year.

ABC15 obtained a letter from the DOJ to the women’s attorney, which confirmed the investigation is looking into potential civil rights violations.

The letter was written on October 2, 2024.

“We are pleased that there is a balance in local law enforcement that acts in violation of the constitutional protections guaranteed to people; even if they are arrested,” said lawyer Zaid al-Sayed. “We are looking forward to the department. Justice Department Findings of Abuse by ASU Police and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department.”

In separate statements, ASU and MCSO officials said they were cooperating with federal investigators, but said their agencies did not violate anyone’s rights.

First on ABC15 in April open cell phone video It showed officers removing a handcuffed woman’s hijab. Watch this report in the player below:

Women speak out after police forcibly remove hijab at ASU protest

Women, who told ABC15 after being arrested, they asked the officers not to remove the special coverings.

An ASU spokesperson released the following statement, “ASU notified DOJ of review. We believe that the ASU police acted in accordance with recognized law enforcement practices that night. The university is cooperating fully with the review.”

MCSO wrote, “MCSO is fully cooperating with the Department of Justice and we are confident that no one’s civil rights have been violated in connection with this incident.”

Similar incidents of police forcefully removing hijabs have led to large settlements and lawsuits elsewhere. New York earlier this year agreed to pay 17.5 million dollars for forcing women to remove their hijabs.

Contact ABC15’s Chief Investigator Dave Biscobing [email protected].



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