DENVER — The proprietors of Pepsi Center say safety screening processes will be evaluated and staff will be educated after a Muslim woman was told to remove her hijab or be refused entrance to the stadium.
On Nov. 5, Gazella Bensreiti moved to the Pepsi Center to watch one of her three brothers perform the National Anthem.
As stated by the Colorado chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an employee at will phone told Bensreiti to “consider off that thing ” — with regard to Bensreiti’s hijab — or be refused entry.
“Gazella asked to be permitted to eliminate it in private. She had been denied and subsequently subjected to embarrassment before pupils, employees and parents, before her kid became distraught, thinking her mom wouldn’t be allowed in to see her perform,” CAIR said in a declaration.
At a Facebook post describing the ordeal, Bensreiti said that there were five guys ahead of her wearing baseball caps.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns Pepsi Center, issued the following announcement concerning the incident:
“Pepsi Center prides itself on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all patrons regardless of handicap, race, gender, religion, national origin and sexual orientation. Regrettably , there was a misunderstanding on November 5 if a security broker didn’t recognize that Ms. Bensreiti was wearing a hijab. A manager immediately intervened, and Ms. Bensreiti entered.
We’ve reached out to Ms. Bensreiti and look forward to engaging in honest discourse that contributes to greater awareness and an chance to celebrate the diversity that makes Denver such a distinctive location. While the issue remains under review, we are taking steps to modify our screening procedure and provide additional education. ”
CAIR says it has already reported that an unprecedented spike targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president. ”
CAIR plans to hold a press conference concerning the incident Wednesday morning.
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