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Muslim Athlete Disqualified From High School Volleyball Game for Wearing Hijab

Indianapolis Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC

A Nashville school is calling for a rule change after a volleyball player was disqualified from a game for wearing a hijab.

On Sept. 15, freshman Najah Aqeel of Valor Collegiate Academy was warming up for the match when her coach said a referee refused to let her play because of her head scarf.

The referee cited a rule requiring Aqeel to receive authorization from the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) to wear her hijab in games. The rule had not been enforced in previous matches, and Aqeel opted to sit out.