Hi Everyone, This is my first post on this forum. I am helping someone with some research. The question is, if a Muslim woman was working as a prison officer would she be allowed to wear a face covering such as a niqab in the UK. I read that in certain areas of the USA the police have accommodated officers wishing to wear the religious garb. I have posted on sites specific to prisons, but had no response, so I thought I'd come to you guys! Thank you. Tilly.
this might help; Uniformed Staff • • Staff in uniformed grades are required to wear the uniform provided centrally under the uniform contract, unless the governor authorises any variations or the wearing of other clothing for particular purposes. • • Staff in uniformed grades working within the juvenile estate will wear a more relaxed style of uniform. Non-uniformed staff and others • • Non-uniformed grades such as teachers, governors and administrative staff should maintain a smart and professional appearance. They should dress appropriately, taking into account their working environment. For example, it may be appropriate and acceptable for a staff member working solely in the administration block to dress differently from a member of staff whose duties involve dealing with prisoners and/or the public. • • This applies to all staff working in Prisons and in Headquarters, and to contracted staff. Ties • • Male staff are required to wear ties with their standard uniform shirts. • • Officers are expected to present a smart and professional appearance at work, as they come into contact with not only prisoners but also with the public and officials from other organisations. This requirement applies to both male and female officers, however, the uniform reflects conventional dress standards in society as a whole. This is the main reason why male officers are issued with a tie whereas female officers are not. Ties are considered to enhance the smart, professional appearance of male staff in line with the Prison Service’s Corporate Image. Traditionally the wearing of a tie has been seen as contributing to a smart appearance for men, while women may look smart without ties. This principle has been upheld by an Employment Tribunal, which ruled that the requirement for male but not female Prison Officers to wear ties as part of uniform was not discriminatory. Footwear • • All Prison Service staff must wear footwear that is appropriate for carrying out all of their duties, under all relevant conditions, whether indoor or outdoor and takes into account health and safety factors. • • Uniformed staff are required to wear black footwear (shoes or boots) that is low-heeled and anti-slip as their duties may, for example, attending alarm or using control and restraint techniques. • • Non-uniformed staff such as teachers, governors and administrative staff should wear anti-slip shoes that are practical for their full range of expected duties and working environment i.e. staff should take into account factors such as the height of their shoe heels, level of foot support, comfort and fit etc. I would assume the wearing of a niqab would come under "unless the governor authorises any variations or the wearing of other clothing for particular purposes. "
Hi, Tilly No, absolutely not. Muslim women would be able to wear a hajib, but not any kind of face covering whilst doing the sort of work which involves dealing with people. It's not considered religious discrimination in any way.
Fugazi and diamond lil, thank you very much, I really appreciate your replies. diamond lil, can I ask if you work in a prison or have contacts with prison staff - I just wanted to check if that was the reason you are very certain.
My other question is, do you think that you would realistically find Muslim women working in a prison (particularly as a prison officer)? Would this role be socially acceptable within a community who would uphold traditional dress for women?
As far as I can find out there are no Muslim women working in the role as a prison officer, there are some Muslim civilian women that work inside of prisons, and like most communities there are varying levels of what is considered traditional.
I believe that this type of situation has already happened. And I would be more shocked to hear that there has never been a Muslim Prison Officer who is Female ever in the USA.
If there no law banning the wearing of religious garbs then why would you prevent them? >>>MOD EDIT Rule 15 Violation Removed<<< It is their right as long as no one is getting harmed by doing so.
No; simply because such dress is designed to encourage subservience from women; it may not be appropriate in potentially hostile environments or situations where males may not care to have a clue or a Cause.
