Experiences of Three Muslim Women Who Wear Hijab at UIUC

The purpose of this research is to shed light on the experience of women who adorn hijabs that work and study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as articulate the significance of veiling for these women. Most face some discrimination due to their choice to veil, yet still elect to wear one. What does the veil mean to them? How might that differ from public assumptions about women who wear hijabs? There are accounts of people facing increased rates of violence while wearing a hijab; how pervasive is this violence on our campus? Have others’ reactions to their veiling made them question their decision or strengthen it? These questions will be explored by interviewing Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab on campus. They will be asked about their history of veiling, its meaning to them, and their experiences at UIUC. Students of non-Muslim background will also be interviewed about their perceptions of women who choose to veil in attempt to explore the impulses behind reactions from the campus community.Ope