Temple University Faces Backlash After Protesters Accuse Police of Brutality and Hijab Removal from Muslim Girl

On September 26, 2024, the organization Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) staged a protest at a College of Engineering career fair held at Temple University’s Howard Gittis Student Center. The demonstration was aimed at opposing the presence of weapons manufacturers, such as Lockheed Martin, Ghost Robotics, and General Dynamics, companies that the students believe have ties to the violence in Gaza. 

The protest comes in the wake of 362 days of violence perpetrated by Israeli forces, resulting in 41,788 deaths, 96,794 injuries, and 11,000 reported missing Palestinians. These staggering statistics highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis and the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, underscoring the need for activism and awareness in support of justice. 

The protest, which was peaceful at the start, escalated when campus police were called. While some demonstrators left the building after warnings from Temple police supervisors, several protesters remained. Tensions rose, resulting in four arrests—including one Temple student. 

The university issued a statement on October 2, announcing the interim suspension of SJP, effectively halting all organizational activities. The decision, made under the university’s Student Conduct Code. According to Temple’s official statement, the suspension is a consequence of the protest’s disruption of the career fair. 

Temple University student's walk out

However, the situation took a troubling turn when allegations of police brutality surfaced. According to a statement from SJP and testimonies from the arrested protesters, the demonstrators were subjected to excessive force by both Temple University Police and Philadelphia Police. 

One of the protesters, Johara Shamaa, accused Philadelphia police officers of forcefully removing her hijab during her arrest, a direct violation of her religious rights. Despite explaining the religious significance of the hijab, she was not allowed to cover herself and was allegedly forced to pose for a mugshot without it, leaving her humiliated.

Shama described the distressing encounter, “This act of humiliation left me in a state of distress, feeling as though my fundamental rights had been stripped away from me.”

Shama alleges that her hijab was first yanked off by Temple police and later removed again by Philadelphia police during the booking process, even after she repeatedly explained the significance of her religious attire. 

Temple University Sullivan Hall Philadelphia

In response to these allegations, Temple University’s Department of Public Safety have issued a statement denying the claims of brutality, specifically refuting the accusation that a hijab was forcibly removed. 

Philadelphia police, however, maintain that their current policies do not specifically address the wearing of religious garments during booking. A police statement acknowledged the incident, saying, “We recognize that our policies need to evolve to better respect and accommodate religious practices.” Police further clarified that Shama was allowed to wear her hijab in common areas but had it removed for her booking photograph. 

Despite the university’s claims, protesters and community members remain skeptical. Several of those present during the demonstration have come forward with their own allegations. 

One protester, Alia Amanpour, accused a male Temple police officer of groping her during her arrest. “During my arrest at the career fair, a male Temple police officer groped my breast and pulled it, using it to pull me in for my own arrest,” she stated. 

SJP also shared footage on social media that purportedly shows officers shoving and grabbing protesters. The arrest not only sparked outrage within the Muslim community but also garnered attention from civil rights organizations. One of the Muslim rights advocacy groups stated, “No person should ever be forced to choose between their dignity, religious beliefs, and compliance with law enforcement. This is a clear violation of constitutional rights and religious freedoms, and we will not rest until justice is served. We urge all members of the community, regardless of faith, to stand in solidarity with the Muslim women who have endured this unlawful and degrading treatment.” 

Shama during a press conference has expressed willingness to collaborate with any agency or university to ensure that no woman has to endure similar treatment in the future.