KLLF Files Complaint Challenging NYPD Policy of Forcing Muslim Women to Remove Their Hijabs for “Booking” Photos

This Friday, KLLF filed a complaint in Manhattan federal court challenging the NYPD’s policy of arbitrarily forcing Muslim women to remove their religious headscarves—their hijabs—for post-arrest processing photos. Like many Muslim women, KLLF’s client believes she must not uncover her hair in the presence of men outside of her immediate family, and KLLF’s complaint alleges that, earlier this year, predominantly male officers of the NYPD forced her to do exactly this, even as she begged them not to. The complaint alleges that clearly established law prohibits police officers from violating arrestees’ religious and civil liberties in this way.

Following a recent settlement agreement, the NYPD has—at long last—agreed to reform its practices and respect the religious beliefs of arrestees who wear religious head coverings. Unfortunately, these changes represent little too late for KLLF’s client, who demands accountability for the trauma she endured, and for the countless other Muslim women the NYPD has subjected to this entirely unnecessary treatment.

KLLF’s David Lebowitz is lead counsel. Click here to read the Complaint.