By the same token, I find myself bothered when I see women wearing burqas in the U.S., England, etc. Especially on college campuses… it seems contrary to basic western cultural values, which presumably is part of what attracted them here. For that reason, it seems slightly hostile (even if not their intent) - and exactly how we would be viewed there if our women ambassadors were to refuse to wear a hijab during a visit to their country.
Apparently, you have forgotten that our western culture values freedom of religion and diversity and tolerance for those who do things differently. I have no problem with a woman wearing a burqa as long as she freely chose to do it.
Nonsense - there are many things that “bother” me, and that I view negatively, that I would not want to see banned. Heck, Christianity “bothers” me, but I would never suggest banning it. Both are protected by religious freedom, however kooky I might consider them, and I never would suggest disallowing either (except for adjustments in certain security-related situations, such as boarding a plane or taking a final exam).
Just what kind of adjustments are you talking about?
Usually an accomodation is provided, such as having a female security officer confirm the woman’s face in a private room. At some universities, when they take an exam, their identity is checked by taking them into another room with a female member of staff so they can lift their veil.
Having said that, I still feel that it is somewhat insulting to wear a burqa on a college campus. Colleges are supposed to be about opening oneself, sharing, critical thinking… closing oneself off from all direct interaction, especially since it is just one gender doing it (and one gender with whom they cannot interact), seems anathema to a basic tenant of higher education.
How does wearing a burqa equate to closing oneself off from all direct interaction? Burqas don’t prevent conversation. If Colleges are supposed to be about opening oneself, then be open to those who dress differently than you.
In many cases, the point of the burqa is to eliminate direct interaction with any men who aren’t the husband.
I’m not proposing any policy, just sharing my impression. Perhaps my view will change over time, although that usually requires some sort of discourse, and it is difficult for such discourse to occur since I’m a man and their religion doesn’t allow them to interact with me (which also seems anathema to higher education).
I wasn’t aware that their religion barred them from talking with non-Muslims. If so, how do they ask the professors any questions?
It doesn’t bar interaction with non-muslims. It bars interaction with men. As for your last question, that is exactly my point… and you can extend that to interacting with male students in the same classroom. Many classroom experiences are supposed to be interactive and include group work with diverse students. I think this should apply to everyone. Religious beliefs that bar interacting with certain groups (or genders) are in my opinion inconsistent with the college experience.