Army Addresses JROTC Uniform Issue
U.S. Army Cadet Command officials are reviewing rules about what religious clothing is allowed by the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program. It comes after a complaint on behalf of a Brentwood freshman who was told she could not march in the homecoming parade wearing a headscarf.
JROTC regulations are consistent with U.S Army regulations, which only allow religious headwear that is completely covered by military headgear. But 14-year-old Demin Zawity wears a headscarf that covers her hair and neck, in observance of her Muslim faith.
Cadet Command spokesman Lt. Col. Matt Hackathorn, at Fort Knox, Ky., told the Tennessean the command is reviewing its policies because of the controversy (http://bit.ly/pGwcZo).
Although JROTC is run by the Army, he said it is not a military program, but a citizenship program.
