3364 - The Meaning of Hijab-Muslim Headscarf (Heidi Tauscher)
Course Description
Instructor: Heidi Tauscher
In Arabic, hijab means “curtain.” So, how did this term come to be embodied as the Muslim women’s headscarf? And, why has the Islamic veil become so controversial? This presentation will explore the evolution of the hijab as well as its changing meaning for both Muslims and Westerners today. From the Qur’anic directive for modesty to the many forms of Islamic sartorial coverings, many Muslim women have embraced hijab as a personal choice for piety, respect, and autonomy. Yet, Westerners have too often interpreted hijab as a sign of submission and oppression. We will explore these diverse perspectives with the aim of mutual understanding.
BIO: Dr. Heidi Tauscher is the founder of Sacred Friends Interfaith, LLC whose mission is to create lasting interfaith friendships through collaborative learning and active healing of divisive community issues. Dr. Tauscher earned her Ph.D. in Religion: Ethics & Society and Master of Divinity from Emory University. She also holds a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University and a Mediation Certificate from Harvard Law School’s Program for Lawyers. Heidi earned a B.A. with honors in International Relations from Rollins College, after completing foreign policy studies at American University in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation from law school, Heidi practiced law for many years in the State of Florida. She has served as Winter Park City Attorney, a Certified Mediator, and successfully represented clients in civil litigation, most notably before the Florida Supreme Court in Stefanos v. Rivera-Berrios, 673 So. 2d 12 (Fla. 1996). Heidi has taught law, public policy, ethics, and religion at Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Gwinnett College, and the University of Central Florida. Her honors include the ABA James Boskey National Essay Contest, Emory University’s Woodruff and Aquinas Fellowships, the Claude H. Thomas Award for Social Concerns, and the John Fenton Prize for her dissertation.