NYC Settles $17.5 Million Suit Over Hijab Removal
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6 April 2024
New York City settles a lawsuit for $17.5 million with two Muslim women forced to remove hijabs during arrests
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Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz filed a class-action suit in 2018 over the incident
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They felt shamed and exposed when forced to remove their head coverings for mug shots
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Ms Clark was arrested on January 9, 2017; Ms Aziz was arrested on August 30, 2017
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Officers threatened Clark with prosecution if she didn't remove her hijab
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Ms Aziz felt broken as her picture was taken in front of male officers and inmates
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New York City initially defended the practice, citing the need for arrest photo clarity
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The policy changed in 2020, allowing head coverings with limited exceptions for facial visibility
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Settlement requires approval by Judge Analisa Torres, distributing proceeds to eligible class members
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Each eligible person is guaranteed a minimum payment of $7,824 from the settlement funds
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