My student wears niqab

I have a student who wears niqab. I don't know what to make of this, and feel uncomfortable teaching her when I can't see her face. I have personal objections to this on feminist grounds, and I am also concerned about this sign of increasing radicalisation on campus.

Women choose to wear niqab for different reasons. It can be a sign of a radical religio-political stance; but it can also be a sign of someone totally uninterested in politics but who interprets the demands of her faith this way. You should not make assumptions about her political views based on her dress; but rather on any views or opinions she chooses to express on politics.

Learn more about wearing niqab.

In the UK it is more likely that women have freely chosen to wear the niqab than that they have been forced by male relations. Her choice may differ from yours, but it is unwarranted to infer that she is subject to undue pressure from men in her choice of dress.

If you are concerned about this student and would like to offer her support, consider some of the following responses:

- Keep your lines of communication open to her, and improve them if possible. Don't break your rapport or trust with her by reacting in a judgmental way about her lifestyle choices. Get to know the real person behind the niqab.
- Take an interest in her opinions and beliefs. Listen without argument in order to understand her perspective and the reasons for her decision. In this way you ensure that if she ever needs someone to talk to about difficult subjects, you are someone she can trust.
- You can maintain your own beliefs and opinions; you don't need to agree but you don't need to argue. If she asks your opinion you can state it without argument and without defence.
- If you think she is subject to pressure, if your relationship allows it you could try to find out who may have played an influential role in her interpretation of her religion. If there are key figures involved, finding out more about these people may provide you with welcome reassurance.
- Enlist help from community figures who can help you to understand the significance of her religious practice.

Case study: a woman student's experience - how it feels to be judged by your dress

Going to a conference on the hijab was an interesting experience. There was already the assumption that I had no knowledge why I was wearing hijab and probably most people thought I was mixing up what is wajib, recommended, and 'mere culture'. The interesting thing was that I agreed with many ideas and the critique that the speakers presented but when I did criticise ideas that for me seemed unfounded and lacked evidence I wasn't taken seriously — as if the thought wearing the hijab has stopped me being critical, educated and reasonable. It's noteworthy that the speakers and the conference organises were all Muslims claming to be progressive and open minded.