DOJ Investigates Hijab Removal by ASU Police

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the removal of hijabs from four women arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at Arizona State University in April. The probe will determine if the actions of ASU Police Department and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office violated federal civil rights laws, particularly concerning religious discrimination. The attorney for the women, Zayed Al-Sayyed, welcomed the investigation as a means to uphold constitutional protections. The incident has drawn attention to the handling of religious attire during arrests, with ASU and MCSO maintaining that their officers acted appropriately and pledging full cooperation with the DOJ review. The investigation is part of broader scrutiny on law enforcement's treatment of religious garments, similar to recent legal actions in New York. The DOJ has requested documentation from ASU on its policies regarding religious attire and any related complaints.