Muslim athlete not allowed to compete

While in Rome,do as the Romans do..
While in America do as Americans do!

If you think that is sad go visit Ground Zero.
Just my opinion..

don't know why they have a problem with it now shes been able to wear it for 3 years the way it is. I think somebody just trying to make a stupid statement about it. I bet it doesn't have anything to do about the whats on her unitard its probably someone just trying to show their athority or their a**

quote:

Originally posted by zann75:
While in Rome,do as the Romans do..
While in America do as Americans do!

If you think that is sad go visit Ground Zero.
Just my opinion..

That was a horrible statement. Are you saying that this girl had anything to do with 9/11???

And as the "when in Rome" analogy - the girl is an American in America. She should be able to practice her religion without the fear of repercussions such as this.

And that's your opionion..

I did not say the first thing about her having anything to do with 9/11.

We should be able to go to work without being killed.
We should be able to let our children play outside with out fear of being kidnapped.
We should be able to do alot of things but we can't..

I should be able to fill my car up on $20 like I did when I first bought it but I can't..it takes $45..

No Zann, it is not the same.

The girl has a constitutional protection to practice her religion. If she goes to court to pursue it she will win - but it will be too late. She can't go back and compete, and win, etc...

You have no constitutional protection regarding the price of gas or against tragedy striking.

Sounds like another coach didn't want her beating his team. I applaud her for standing her ground.

I think its good she found a way to compete. Too bad this happened. But I guess her, her mother and her coach all had a chance to read the rules. She went to a lot of effort to run. I go to a lot of effort not to run. I have seen some pretty fast muslims though, especially when stuff starts blowing up.

A sincere and devout Orthodox Jew or Seventh Dsy Adventist would know that he/she could not be in the race if it was on a Saturday. They would not ask for a day change. One wonders why the rule was changed. One wonders if the runnner set up a test case. Be careful what you ask for - you may get it! I was taught to believe that sacrifices were made for one's religion. On the other hand, maybe someone else just wanted a chance to win!

It is all in the eye of the beholder. The part that got me was why was she allowed to participate last year but stopped this year? If it was a rules violation, should have happened last year. I am not for or against the child being able to run. America is the land of oppurtinity- just wish when we make the rules- that we would stick with em.

Have to agree with TSC here. I'd like to think that some of you are just ignorant with regards to religious liberties as opposed to intolerant but it's probably a little bit of both.

I agree with TSC, too. She can wear a suit of armor, for all I care, if she's still fastest out there.

DF

First off, some of the above comments are just unbelievable.

Second, "This uniform should have stood out like a giraffe in a herd of sheep." This statement was made in the comments section of the article in response to what the judges stated, "Rogers said: 'We run over 2,000 athletes in this meet. Most likely an official missed her uniform [last year] and a call wasn't made.' I agree 100% with the giraffe/sheep comparison and given that nothing was said the years prior it seems that it is someone showing their authority.

Someone else made a good comment, it does appear that another coach simply didn't want to get beaten and complained.

She's a teenager, let the girl run. Until our Constitution and laws are changed she can respect her religion. Conforming to religious dress practices is considerably different than changing the dates of a meet.

Aww poor girl

People need to educate themselves. Just because she is muslim, does NOT make her a threat. That's like saying all Christians are as bad as the members of Wacky church that protests Soldier's funerals.

I understand why some feel a bit un-easy when they don't know much about their religion, but remember that there are fanatics in every religion- Islam/Muslims just have the most in their religion.

I think they should have let the girl run, they should let her continue to run. It wasn't hurting anything, and if the rules say different, then they should have notified her three years ago. They should definitely give her some sort of options so that she can still participate.

I definitely agree with TSC, they are infringing on one of her Constitutional rights as an American.

*shakes head* I feel so bad for this girl, I hope that she continues to run and goes far!

~Amanda

quote:

Originally posted by Phoenix Rising:
Have to agree with TSC here. I'd like to think that some of you are just ignorant with regards to religious liberties as opposed to intolerant but it's probably a little bit of both.

quote:

Religious liberties would mean,freedom of belief right? Then how can you say "that some of you are just ignorant with regards to religious belief blah blah blah and not to long ago you posted this:
When is someone going to stop this church?
That it should be burned to the ground..
Is that not their right to believe what they want?

FYI:I think Jonesboro whatevers are ignorant!

This is what I do know and what I believe..

The truth about Islam is exactly the opposite of what you will hear on the news. Many Americans believe that Islam is a religion of peace and that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. In public schools we teach our children a doctrine of tolerance, and in some schools students are even required to memorize passages of the Koran. While in comparison, Islamic children are taught that America is the Infidel. We are the enemy. When the towers came crashing down on September 11, 2001 and thousands of innocent people were killed, Muslims all over the world danced in the streets and praised the hijackers. Islamic terrorists are referred to in the West as radicals and extremists, while in the mid-east they are heralded by fundamentalists as martyrs and heroes, and the families of suicide bombers are rewarded monetary pensions. The disparity between the two perspectives is staggering, still Americans are not willing to face the truth about Islam.

Islam is still a religion and it is still protected by the Constitution of the United States of America. If we are going to be intolerant of their freedom to worship then we are no better than the extremists you speak of.

My opinion was not formed from google,timesdaily or anyone telling me,it is the reality that I have a home in New York and here,I commute.While in New York it is a daily reminder of many things,the fact that America is overcome with foreigners,9/11 and the fact that Alabama is not so bad....I have read many many facts on muslims including the ones from NYT,& WTC museum etc...

I have witnessed the muslim protest of the family members having a memorial service for 9/11 victims,and the victims that were muslim ,their families were to scared to show their face,not because of americans.

Maybe I am not ready to put 9/11 behind me,not saying you are but call it ignorant,selfish what you want,I have the right to feel the way I feel as well as you.

Rock on believe whatever religion you want to,but don't whine when you get called out on it and use your religion as a tissue.Rules are rules,no matter when they are applied.Like it or not.She knew the rules,just like the guy with the composite legs,yea he won a few and now the rules caught up with him.Fair-no maybe not,that's life,I didn't make the rules...

I am not trying to debate religion with anyone,it's stupid,you cannot convince me to believe what you believe and vice-versa,unless we have the same faith.

This is my freedom of speech pounce on it all you want,just because I believe different.

I still think she should have been able to run.....

quote:

[URL=NFHS Responds to Maryland Track Situation]NFHS Responds to Maryland Track Situation[/URL]NFHS Responds to Maryland Track Situation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Becky Oakes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 17, 2008) - Last Saturday, Juashuanna Kelly, a runner on the girls track team at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C., elected not to compete in the Montgomery Invitational indoor track and field meet in Maryland after meet officials advised her that she would need to replace her undergarment because it violated track and field playing rules published by the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS).

The NFHS issues the following statement regarding this incident:

"The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the national leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities, writes playing rules in 17 sports for boys and girls competition at the high school level, including track and field.

"Rule 4-3-1-d of the NFHS Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Book states that 'Any visible garment(s) worn underneath the uniform top or bottom shall be a single, solid color and unadorned except for 1) a single school name or insignia no more than 2¼ square inches with no dimension more than 2¼ inches and 2) a single, visible manufacturer's logo as per NFHS rules.'

"Using preventive officiating, meet officials at the Montgomery Invitational checked uniforms prior to the events to make sure they complied with NFHS uniform rules. Since Kelly's one-piece undergarment was multi-colored (blue, orange, white), it was in violation of the uniform rules. The meet officials did not disqualify Kelly; they informed her she would have to replace the multi-colored undergarment with a single-colored undergarment, an option which she declined and, thus, did not compete.

"The head covering, which was a part of Kelly's one-piece undergarment, nor the length of the undergarment were in violation of NFHS rules. She could have worn the same style of undergarment, with a head covering, as long as the undergarment was one color throughout the entire piece of clothing. The NFHS track uniform rule was put in place for consistency across the board and for ease in identifying runners at the finish line. Multi-colored undergarments cause greater identification problems for track officials.

"The track uniform is a point of emphasis by the NFHS this year in an effort to have more consistent and widespread enforcement of the rule. Because of her Muslim faith, there were reports that her uniform undergarment was ruled unacceptable on religious grounds. While Kelly's faith requires her to cover all parts of the body except her hands and face, a single-colored undergarment with a hood would have been acceptable both from an NFHS rules standpoint as well as meeting the requirements of her Muslim faith.

quote:

The clerk in the bullpen let Ms. Kelly know that her uniform was illegal. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HER HOOD. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT SHE WAS MUSLIM. It had to do with the fact that the unitard she wore as an undergarment was visible and was bi-colored, a clear infraction of the NFHS rule.(I keep reading that she has run in this uniform for three or more years without anyone saying anything to her: in an earlier interview she said she got the unitard custom made at the beginning of her junior year. That would be last year (she is a senior this year). If she ran last year in it, she was lucky enough to slip by the officials – at a meet of over 2,000 competitors, not every infraction is caught (just as there were probably infractions this year that slipped through the cracks. If we run a red light and there are no police nearby, we’re lucky. If we get caught doing the same thing the next time, we would be wise not to complain that “last time no one said anything.”)Part Three of Three ... continued ...The Meet Official was contacted by the clerk and verified that in fact the unitard was illegal in this meet. He informed Ms. Kelly that she could put a plain colored tee (hundreds of which were available throughout the arena) over the unitard, and then her uniform singlet, and no problems with disqualification would result.(Incidentally, Ms. Kelly, in an interview on WUSA this evening, said,(and I quote): "They told me that [about the tee shirt] too, but I was already crying, and I just didn't feel like doing anything else after that."
Her coach took matters up with the Meet Official and, when the official wouldn’t back down at the verbal diatribe he was subjected to, Coach Bowden PUNCHED THE MEET OFFICIAL IN THE FACE. It was absolutely NOT a polite shove as he describes in the interview. Police were on the scene and asked if the official wished to press charges. THE OFFICIAL DECLINED, instead choosing to speak further with the coach outside of the arena. At the end of this conversation, the two shook hands. The meet official went back to his duties, assuming things were finished. The coach went directly to the Washington Post reporter covering the meet and began crying religious discrimination.
In the meantime, the Meet Director, Tom Rogers, had been called and arrived on the scene where Ms. Kelly’s mother introduced herself as her mother and assistant coach. Mr. Rogers explained the ruling to the mother no less than four times, but she refused to listen. Mr. Rogers DID NOT make the disqualification ruling – the official had already made it before Tom was even called to the scene of the incident.
If blame must be given to someone (and there has been a lot thrown around carelessly), then here it is: If Ms. Kelly did not choose to “do anything else” at the point of being informed of her options, then it is on her, NOT on the official, the meet director, nor anyone else, that she didn’t race. There was no bigotry or nastiness on anyone’s part except for Ms. Kelly’s coach (who, in my mind should have been arrested and removed from the arena promptly for assaulting an official) and her mother who was bitterly complaining about religiously discrimination so loudly that she wasn’t even willing to listen to any explanations.

"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends." (Surah 5:51)

"Make war on them until idolatry shall cease and God's religion shall reign supreme." (Surah 8:36-)

"Slay them wherever you find them...Idolatry is worse than carnage...Fight against them until idolatry is no more and God's religion reigns supreme." (Surah 2:190-)

"Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it." (Surah 2:216)

Rules that prevent freedom of religious expression deserve to be challenged. How are you going to feel Zann when your school dist. suspends your kid for wearing a necklace in the shape of a crucifix? Rules are rules right?

Isn't it funny that we believe so strongly in freedom of speech and freedom of religion as long as it is OUR speech or religion.

Although I do wonder if this had been a 7'1" basketball player who can score like Michael Jordan or a running back who plays for Alabama if the uniform would've been an issue. Something tells me the Alabama Alumni association would've figured out a way to get around it!

quote:

Originally posted by Phoenix Rising:
Rules that prevent freedom of religious expression deserve to be challenged. How are you going to feel Zann when your school dist. suspends your kid for wearing a necklace in the shape of a crucifix? Rules are rules right?

That's exactly right!They took the pledge out,they took prayer out,they are not permitted to bring backpacks,so yes if she is in the wrong then so be it. This girl knew the rules..boo-hoo

I am amazed at the seemingly rational people who buy all the government propaganda. On the other hand, this is what I'd do if I were a Muslin terrorist.

I would not wear the clothing. I wouldn't tell anyone I was Muslim. If I were a man I'd be the biggest Bible thumping choir director humping Christian fundamentalist you've ever seen. Bill Gray would look like a Buddhist compared to me. I'd wear my short sleeved polyester dress shirt with a tie, my pants would be too high on my waist and too short at my ankles. I'd mentor the "Young Men's" class at church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday. I'd have a Boy Scout troup, a Men's Bible Study class and I'd spout every Bible verse available. My neighbors would think I was a "Fine Christian Man".

If I was a female, I'd wear the latest Cato's fashions and go to church with my husband (see above) every time the doors were open. I'd have a Women's Missionary meeting to "educate those poor people in Africa", my marshmallow pistachio jello congealed salad would be the mainstay at every "dinner on the grounds" and my pimento cheese finger sandwiches would be legendary. Every bride in the church would want them at the reception in the church basement. I'd teach a "Young People's" class.

Then, depending on whether I was male or female, I'd take the Young People's class or the Boy Scout troop on a trip to Washington DC, meet with the staunchest, most conservative Christian lawmaker from my home state and BOOM blow the place to kingdom come.

I wouldn't be wearing long sleeves under my sports outfit to proclaim to everybody what my religion is and making the Christians suspicious.

quote:

Originally posted by vick13:
I am amazed at the seemingly rational people who buy all the government propaganda. On the other hand, this is what I'd do if I were a Muslin terrorist.

I would not wear the clothing. I wouldn't tell anyone I was Muslim. If I were a man I'd be the biggest Bible thumping choir director humping Christian fundamentalist you've ever seen. Bill Gray would look like a Buddhist compared to me. I'd wear my short sleeved polyester dress shirt with a tie, my pants would be too high on my waist and too short at my ankles. I'd mentor the "Young Men's" class at church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday. I'd have a Boy Scout troup, a Men's Bible Study class and I'd spout every Bible verse available. My neighbors would think I was a "Fine Christian Man".

If I was a female, I'd wear the latest Cato's fashions and go to church with my husband (see above) every time the doors were open. I'd have a Women's Missionary meeting to "educate those poor people in Africa", my marshmallow pistachio jello congealed salad would be the mainstay at every "dinner on the grounds" and my pimento cheese finger sandwiches would be legendary. Every bride in the church would want them at the reception in the church basement. I'd teach a "Young People's" class.

Then, depending on whether I was male or female, I'd take the Young People's class or the Boy Scout troop on a trip to Washington DC, meet with the staunchest, most conservative Christian lawmaker from my home state and BOOM blow the place to kingdom come.

I wouldn't be wearing long sleeves under my sports outfit to proclaim to everybody what my religion is and making the Christians suspicious.

He-He

Two women go to a job interview,the job requirements clearly state "must have a PHD",one lady is muslim,other is Baptist.The muslim gets the job because she has a PHD.The Baptist did not get the job so she runs to the newspaper as fast as she can and tells this big story about how this company would not hire her because she is Baptist. She leaves out the part that she did not meet the requirements,but it won't matter as long as she claims religion as the factor....

It was previously stated that this girl is an American,well I agree,because Americans teach the generation of kids now that if you don't get your way just throw a fit!The Rules don't apply to you. If you get in trouble at school for not following the rules,I'll complain to the board of education for picking on you, or if you get pregnant and don't want the baby just throw it in the garbage,If you drink and drive and kill someone,well they shouldn't have been on the same road as you.

In my American household, one priority is to teach my children to be responsible for their actions and respect others. If they get in trouble and do not obey the rules,you better believe they are gonna know it.

My children have traveled all over with me and they know first hand what to appreciate. What they don't appreciate is the fact that they follow rules and others don't have to because they can run faster or throw a football.

When are Americans going to start teaching instead of defending?

I bet ya'll feel sorry for Britney Spears too..poor girl made so much money and is just miserable..all the medias fault right?

I agree with your point zann75......... I don't feel sorry for Britney Spears either. she brought it all on herself, But I do feel sorry for her kids.

quote:

Originally posted by 2_each_its_own:
I agree with your point zann75......... I don't feel sorry for Britney Spears either. she brought it all on herself, But I do feel sorry for her kids.

Oh I do too,I hope she gets help soon her kids need her.

Uh...no. Her kids need a mother.