This Historic American Olympic Medalist Was In Tears After Being Detained At Customs
This Historic American Olympic Medalist Was In Tears After Being Detained At Customs
Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first American woman to compete at the Olympics in a hijab and the first American Muslim woman to win a medal at the Olympics, taking bronze in Team Sabre in Fencing. But none of that prevented her from being affected by Trump's travel ban. Find out more here.
Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first American woman to compete at the Olympics in a hijab and the first American Muslim woman to win a medal at the Olympics, taking bronze in Team Sabre in Fencing. But none of that prevented her from being affected by Trump's travel ban. Find out more here.
In the summer of 2016, Muslim-American athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad made history. Not only was she the first Muslim-American woman to win an Olympic medal as part of U.S. Fencing's Team Sabre crew, but she was also the first Muslim-American woman to compete while wearing a hijab.
None of those achievements, however, were sufficient to save Muhammad from the intensified discrimination that came with Donald Trump's travel ban on people from seven predominantly Muslim countries, which has now been suspended. Muhammad was detained by U.S. Customs and Border protection for over two hours while the ban was in effect. She said the incident left her crying in anger, frustration, and disappointment.
I can't tell you why it happened to me, but I know that I'm Muslim. I have an Arabic name. Even though I represent Team USA... it doesn't change how you look and how people perceive you.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Daily Mail, February 8, 2017
Muhammad went on to explain how the immigration ban was affecting more than just the seven countries listed in it...
I know that people talk about this having a lot to do with these seven countries in particular, but I think the net is cast a little bit wider than we know. And I'm included in that as a Muslim woman who wears a hijab.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Daily Mail, February 8, 2017
Muhammad has since urged people to "stand in solidarity," speaking out on behalf of those "who may not be able to find that strength." She has also recommended that people donate to the ACLU and other nonprofits who are fighting the ban. But now, what we would like to know is...
Do you think the travel ban is discriminatory against Muslims?
Do you think the travel ban is discriminatory against Muslims?
Any other thoughts? Talk to us about this in the comments below, and share with your friends to see what they think.