Teenager allegedly assaulted for not wearing hijab

COLUMBIA, Missouri — A University of Missouri graduate teaching assistant is accused of grabbing a teenage family member by the hair and pulling her out of school because she wasn’t wearing a traditional headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports 53-year-old Youssif Omar was arrested Wednesday at his home on suspicion of felony child abuse. He was released from the Boone County Jail after posting $4,500 bond.

Police spokeswoman Latisha Stroer says officers were called to a local school Tuesday after Omar became irate when he noticed a 14-year-old family member not wearing a hijab.

Stroer says Omar grabbed the girl “very violently by the hair” and pulled her outside and down some stairs.

Omar didn’t immediately respond to an email Sunday seeking comment.