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.

Read more...