High school runner, 16, disqualified from race for wearing hijab ‘without permission’ after setting new personal record

A HIGH school runner was disqualified from a race for wearing a Nike hijab “without permission”.

Noor Alexandria Abukaram, 16, was told her personal-best time of 22 minutes and 22 seconds for a 5k would not count because of her headgear.

Runners are allowed to compete in a hijab, but they must have a waiver from the Ohio High School Athletic Association before the race.

Noor raged: “My hijab is a part of me. Like if you’re asking me to run without my hijab, you’re asking me not to run. That’s period. Point blank.

“I feel like my rights as an athlete were violated this weekend because this rule does NOT exist in writing.

BUREAUCRATS SAID SHE HADN’T FILLED IN FORM

“I should not have to get a waiver signed and approved by OSHAA to allow me to race due to my religious head covering.”

Noor, a junior on the school’s cross-country team, runs in a specially-designed Nike hijab.

She had previously competed in several races without incident.

A OHSAA spokesman said: “The official was simply enforcing this rule since a waiver had not been submitted.

“After the race, the OHSAA communicated with the school, which then submitted a waiver request. 

“The request was approved immediately, which will permit the student-athlete to compete this weekend at regional competition.”