Veils as a Matter of Choice

Having taught in both Turkey, a secular Muslim state, and the United Arab Emirates, a religious one, I believe, contrary to your opinion [editorial, Oct. 16], that the veil is a barrier to Muslims getting educations and jobs. Some students in Turkey who forsake the hijab expressed to me their fear of women who wear the hijab -- not even the more extreme veil -- because both are often worn as a political statement. The statement is frequently that women should take traditional roles in the workplace and society, roles that limit their educational and economic opportunities.

In Dubai, the students who wore the veil also practiced separation of the sexes, a barrier to education and employment. Those who wore the hijab and mingled with men in classes were often not Emiratis and were subjected to rude comments from Emirati men who considered even this modest dress "provocative." A climate in which men and women do not respect each other is not conducive to equal education or employment opportunities for women.

-- Mara Alexander

Alexandria

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Anne Applebaum contrasted a Muslim woman wearing a veil in the West with herself donning a sarong while touring Indonesia. However, to a Muslim woman, going unveiled is both improper and immoral.

I agree that a Muslim woman who feels she must wear a veil should not take a job that requires a bare face -- say, modeling -- or safety equipment that her veil cannot accommodate.

But saying that a veiled woman cannot teach is wrong. Blind teachers don't make eye contact with students. Similarly, Stephen Hawking's lectures are widely attended, although he can barely speak. To say that a veil automatically devalues a teacher's work reveals a cultural bias against a different standard of modesty. I believe that a veiled teacher could instead help children learn about different cultures, what they value and why. Freedom of religious expression is more American than an unveiled face.

-- Rebecca Simmons

Hampton, Va.