Today, there is current debate over whether or not Turkey should remove their ban on the wearing of Islamic headscarves in universities. Many argue that this legislation would be a step forward to encourage religious freedom for the minority religious presence, and work to eliminate feelings of discrimination of Islamic practices. This leaves many with the question: Is Islamic headscarf a symbol for religious freedom, gender equality, and secularism, or one of oppression and patriarchal dominance? Joan Scott argues that this legislation would represent a form of positive negotiation between the French government and Muslims, which would allow them to pursue a “right to a higher education” without feeling like they would need to compromise on their religious beliefs. This would promote gender equality, by providing equal education opportunities for both male and females.

Personally, I believe Joan Scott makes many compelling arguments for the lifting on the ban of Islamic headscarves in universities; however, I do feel as though she fails to highlight the reasons why women choose to wear the Islamic headscarf. Although many people believe that the hijab is a requirement for Muslim women, it is never directly stated in the Quran itself. Veiling as an Islamic practice was a cultural practice before, during, and after the time of the Prophet, Muhammad, but was never a requirement for Muslim women. Many women choose to wear the headscarf, so they will be recognized solely for their intellect and personality, rather than their personal appearance, especially through the eyes of men. Although veiling has become a symbol for female oppression in certain Middle Eastern countries, the hijab still remains a liberating garment for many Muslim women, highlighting their own personal freedom and religious values. Overall, the Islamic headscarf should not be viewed as an object promoting female oppression or secularism, but as symbol of freedom and the option for each individual to practice religion according to their own interpretation or belief. France should lift the ban on wearing Islamic headscarves in universities, solely in the name of religious freedom.

Look at Turkey’s current first ladies, cabinet members’ wives; most of them were not wearing headscarves and were actively working before they got married. Shortly after marriage all covered their heads, quit their jobs and became housewives. If they were given a choice, would they really want to wear headscarves?

As a young Turkish woman, this certainly is not something I want for the daughters of Turkey. Democracy and secularism go hand in hand with women’s rights, especially in countries where the dominant religion is Islam. And for that matter, Turkey continues to be one of the few examples in the whole world — certainly the only example in the Middle East — where the overwhelming majority of the population (99%) is Muslim, which is also a democracy and is *still* secular.