In response to a need identified by its President, Ohio University is pushing for the employment of a barber to cut black people's hair after a shop's business hours in order to serve one segment of our population. If this is justified as being based on the recognition of diversity within our community, why not likewise address the special hair-cutting need of another group?
In my work as a volunteer in the international community for over 20 years, I have been made aware of a problem faced by many devout Muslim women. They must cover themselves so that no man can see them. But underneath their hijab, they have hair that needs to be cut periodically.
Therefore, the university should hire a female barber, who need not be a Muslim, to work in a salon after hours. (The shop would be closed to outsiders, especially men. In addition, there would be curtains temporarily closed on the windows).
In this way, the university will show that it is truly interested in diversity, and not just concerned about only one group that has a special need.' Phyllis Rovner is an Athens area resident.
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Letter to the Editor
