LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing February 1, 2016 as World Hijab Day

WHEREAS, The people of the United States and the great State of New York
who come from a variety of backgrounds are united in certain founda-
tional beliefs such as affirming the inherent dignity of all persons;
the right of every person to be treated with respect; and the right of
all citizens to practice their religion freely; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
Monday, February 1, 2016, as World Hijab Day to be celebrated on the
steps of City Hall in New York, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Hijab, a traditional veil which covers a woman's hair and
chest, has been very important to the history of Islam; it is believed
to promote dignity and respect for women while maintaining modesty, and
ensuring proper behavior; and
WHEREAS, World Hijab Day was started by Nezma Khan, a resident of the
Bronx, as a day set aside for women who do not normally wear the Hijab,
to try one on for the day; its purpose is to encourage religious toler-
ance, cultural understanding, and international solidarity; and
WHEREAS, Recently, there has been much discriminatory bias against
Muslim women who wear the Hijab; there is also a perception in numerous
countries that this way of dress is a threat to education, secularism,
women's rights, public security and even freedom of religion itself; and
WHEREAS, Today, Muslim Hijabi women who live in the United States face
many challenges; there have been several instances of personal attacks,
and many have felt that they cannot go to work or attend school because
of a fear of persecution for honoring their religious traditions; and
WHEREAS, To combat prejudice and bigotry, leaders in the American
Muslim community are working tirelessly to show that the wearing of the
hijab is a choice, a freedom, and a blessing, as well as to educate
their fellow citizens about Islam in ways which are relevant and mean-
ingful; and
WHEREAS, One of America's great strengths as a society has been our
ability to embrace different faiths and allow their members to express
themselves freely; in this spirit, World Hijab Day encourages the wear-
ing of the hijab as a proud display of religious faith and communal
bonding which will make us stronger as a nation and more accepting of
others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation while encouraging greater religious tolerance and
understanding in our communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Monday, February 1, 2016 as World Hijab Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nezma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day.