Dr. Nabilah Khachab

After Nabra’s death, many Muslim women I know who observe hijab contemplated removing it. I support women in whatever decisions they want to make regarding their bodies, but many Muslim women feel forced to remove it because of fear & hate.

This is unethical & contrary to any notions of liberty. On my way back from Indianapolis, I almost stopped at a random restaurant to use the bathroom but my sister insisted we keep driving because the area was deserted & it didn’t feel right. So I kept driving. Moments later,

We passed an enormous sign that read TRUMP. I thought ‘Thank God I didn’t stop there, who knows what could’ve happened.’ I still really needed to use the restroom. My sister said to me, “maybe you should remove the hijab & put your hoodie over, it’s raining they won’t know.”

This is not okay. This conversation should have never happened. Every single human being on this earth, every single body, deserves respect and safety. I shouldn’t have to contemplate removing my hijab to use the bathroom because I’m afraid someone might attack me.