I read an article this week which seemed to be an example of microaggression. A woman in Michigan is suing the Dearborn Heights police department for forcing her to remove her headscarf for a mugshot photo for a traffic misdemeanor. Although she informed the officer that removing her headscarf was against her religious beliefs, he told her that there were no exceptions. His supervisor also insisted that the headscarf be removed. She asked if a female officer could take the photo so as not to violate the demands of her religion, but the request was denied. The officers instead threatened a longer detention is she did not comply immediately.
Now, had this woman been arrested for making terroristic threats, attempting to murder someone, or some other violent offense, I could understand the urgency the officers would have felt about insuring that a weapon was not concealed on her person. It wouldn't negate her religious rights, but it would provide a legitimate reason for the police to insist on immediate compliance. But this woman was arrested for a minor traffic offense. She posed no credible immediate risk. There is no reason why she couldn't have been secured until a female officer could be brought in to take the mugshot. The actions of these male officers showed either an ignorance about her religious faith or a complete disregard of it. Either way, this woman was a victim of microaggression.
I am a supporter of the police. There are many fine men and women that risk their lives on a daily basis to serve and protect the people of this nation. Officers who behave in this way are not representative of all police officers. The ones who act like these officers did make me angry and sad. I am angry at the injustices people have had to endure, and sad that situations such as these occur so frequently.
Hellerstein, E. (2015) Woman sues Michigan police department for forced Hijab removal. Think Progress. Retrieved from: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/01/25/3615195/woman-sues-michigan-police-department-forced-hijab-removal/
I am literally beside myself for the lack of sensitivity and ignorance of both individuals! I should not be shocked however because there are so many violations that happen daily. I do know there are good and bad officers but I just wonder WHEN will our voices and lawsuits make a difference? I can't even imagine how violated that woman felt. I felt violated recently for being pulled over for no reason and was told he didn't have to have a reason and then commented on my looks now compared to my drivers license.
ReplyDeleteThis is awful! I can't believe this happened. I can't imagine what that women must have been thinking. My family works as First responders, and I know their are good officers out there, but I have no idea where these other officers come from that treat people this way.
ReplyDeleteKaren
ReplyDeleteThe ladies rights were clearly violated. I agree there is no reason why the officers could not allow a female officer to take her mugshot. It clear that these officers need to be trained on cultural sensitivity. unfortunate that these
These days police officers are def. getting a bad wrap. The incident in Ferguson, the incident and NYC and even this. I do know police officers receive diversity training, I personally know a few officers. But that training does not negate their own personal biases/beliefs. I am not sure how law enforcement agencies can start to look at personal beliefs/biases a little more carefully and change the way their officers think. I hope they can figure something out.
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