Resources to Support Women's Correctional Facilities in Addressing Hijab

Ellicott City, MD — October 29, 2024 — The Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) is pleased to announce the release of two groundbreaking resources developed as part of its Prison Empowerment Program (PEP). These resources aim to foster understanding, respect, and supportive policies for female Muslim inmates, specifically regarding the Hijab, within women’s correctional facilities across the United States. They are available on ILIA’s dedicated website, PEP Resource Center.

In alignment with ILIA’s commitment to addressing unique challenges facing Muslim American communities, these resources serve both as policy supplements and comprehensive training tools. The materials are designed to guide correctional facilities in enhancing their policies related to Hijab, supporting a dignified environment for Muslim women. The resources have already been shared with over two dozen women’s correctional facilities in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, New York, and New Jersey.

Two Key Resources Supporting Correctional Policy and Training

The first resource is a policy guidance supplement specifically for correctional facilities, addressing the complexities surrounding Hijab for Muslim women. This guide aids facilities in creating or refining policies that honor religious freedoms, addressing nuances in head-covering protocols and fostering respectful environments for female Muslim inmates. Additionally, this tool offers invaluable training insights to staff and correctional officers, equipping them to navigate religious diversity more effectively.

“Our team is committed to advancing equitable, informed, and respectful treatment for all incarcerated individuals. With the launch of these resources, we’re offering facilities concrete tools to foster a compassionate and inclusive environment,” said ILIA’s Founder, Ayman Nassar. “We’re honored to support the needs of the thousands of individuals in women’s correctional facilities and the officers who serve them.”

Building a Foundation of Understanding

Since its inception, ILIA’s Prison Empowerment Program has aimed to support incarcerated individuals through education, stability services, and reentry resources. The newly launched Hijab-related resources build upon ILIA’s longstanding commitment to advocacy and service, setting a national standard for addressing the needs of Muslim women in correctional settings.

For more information on these resources or to connect with ILIA’s team, please visit PEP Resource Center or contact us at ss@islamicleadership.org.