Utah House adopts resolution backing students’ right to religious headwear in sports

The Utah House on Feb. 23 passed a concurrent resolution affirming student-athletes’ rights to religious freedom and modesty, responding to reports that some students have been prevented from wearing religious headwear while participating in school sports.

Representative Perucci, the sponsor, told colleagues the resolution was prompted by “children and young people in our state who are being told that they cannot wear religious headwear like a hijab while participating in sports without a waiver or an approval to alter their uniform to meet their own modesty standards.” She said she met with the High School Activities Association and the Muslim Civic League while drafting the measure.

Lawmakers offered broad bipartisan support on the House floor. Representative Kwan said the resolution sends “such a great message” to girls and young women. Representative Eliason urged the body to examine related rules and regulations that may force students to participate in activities on days they observe as holy days. Representative Owens said the resolution addressed concerns about objectifying women in sports and cited the Norwegian women’s team controversy as a spur to action.

Perucci said the interim work will focus on encouraging cities, nonprofits and athletic associations to review internal policies to avoid placing barriers on students’ ability to participate while observing their religion. The resolution, HCR16, passed the House 74-0 and will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

The House presentation included guests First Lady Abby Cox and Luna Benuri of the Muslim Civic League, both introduced by the sponsor as partners in outreach during the interim. The sponsor asked colleagues to support outreach aimed at reducing waiver requirements and other procedural barriers that can prevent students from competing.

Procedural next steps: the concurrent resolution will be sent to the Senate for consideration; the sponsor indicated an intent to use the interim to meet with local school districts, athletic associations and civic groups to encourage policy reviews.