Dangerous Object Overhead (The TSA vs. Hijab & Turbans)

Apparently, the TSA believes that the hijab or the turban is a great place to hide dangerous objects. Why these two pieces of cloth are different from our pants or shirts is a mystery to me. On a related tangent, is it me or does it seem that the “War on Hijab” isn't going away?

Here is the official release from TSA. The crux of the matter is this:

The new standard procedures subject all persons wearing head coverings to the possibility of additional security screening, which may include a pat-down search of the head covering. Individuals may be referred for additional screening if the TSO cannot reasonably determine that the head area is free of a detectable threat item. If the issue cannot be resolved through a pat-down search, the individual will be offered the opportunity to remove the head covering in a private screening area.

So, our Muslim sisters, you can probably count on receiving some VIP treatment on your next trip through the security line (not that you don't already get some of it).

Just to be fair, after I had my name removed from the “watch-list” (I think my 7 year old son is still on it!), I haven't been receiving any VIP treatment (I am not too sad about it though). And generally speaking, the TSA folks are quite respectful and courteous. So, I don't reckon that they will be any different with this rule.

What is important for the sisters to know is that you should know what TSA can and cannot do. If they want you to remove the hijab, then you have the right to ask for that to be done “in a private screening area” with a female. DO NOT GIVE UP on your rights. Otherwise, we will all lose them. All Muslim travelers should know their rights and report any profiling or other discriminatory incidents to CAIR at 202-488-8787, or file a report online at www.cair.com :

• Know Your Legal Rights as an Airline Passenger (CAIR)
• CAIR is a signatory to the Sikh Coalition petition to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff on the issue of religious profiling.

One final suggestion: Don't get behind a group of Catholic nuns in the security line, you may be there for a long time!