top of page
Search

Merima Tricic's experiences

  • Writer: Ana Eisele
    Ana Eisele
  • Apr 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 7




The provided story recounts Merima Tricic's experience of being bullied and discriminated against by a university professor due to her decision to wear the hijab.The incident occurred during a meeting to discuss Merima's research. The professor initiated the interaction by asking, "What happened to you?" in a way that implied something was wrong with Merima's appearance. When Merima clarified her confusion, the professor directly questioned her decision to wear the hijab in a "jeering way," expressing her personal disapproval despite being Turkish herself.The professor went on to express negative stereotypes about women who wear the hijab, associating it with being "cultural," not truly representing Islam, and questioning why a university student would choose to wear it. She further stated that "hijab isn't even hijab. It's a political symbol" and made objectifying remarks about women's appearance. Merima explained that she wears the hijab for herself and her faith, not for political reasons. The professor dismissed this by saying, "You look modern at least. Not much different from what you were before."This encounter left Merima feeling shocked, hurt, and confused, as she felt marginalized and diminished as a scholar in her place of learning.

The story highlights that school bullying and discrimination can extend beyond interactions with fellow students to include negative treatment from faculty that compromises a student's educational experience based on their religious expression. Merima's experience at a summer program later helped her find her voice and recognize the impact of this discriminatory incident. She shares her story as an example of the abuse faced by those who wear the headscarf and how such experiences can affect a student's sense of safety and belonging in an academic environment.

 
 
 

留言


bottom of page