Connecticut Muslims told to remove headscarves at roller rink

A Connecticut woman says a roller rink’s request that she either remove or cover her traditional Muslim head scarf was discriminatory.

Marisol Rodriguez-Colon of Windsor tells WTIC-TV that she and her sister-in-law went to the Ron-A-Roll indoor rink in Vernon on Sunday for her niece’s birthday party. She says inside, a woman who identified herself as a manager, told them they would have to either remove their hijabs or wear helmets. She was told the rink has a policy prohibiting headwear.

Rodriguez-Colon said removing her scarf was “not an option,” and they left.

Rink management issued a statement reiterating the no headwear policy and saying helmets are offered for safety purposes.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations says it has filed a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Associated Press, 24 November 2010

See also CTnow.com, 23 November 2010

Update:  See “Connecticut roller rink defends policy on headscarves after Muslim woman complains”, Fox News, 24 November 2010