Northwestern’s Aaron Liberman — or, more accurately, his yarmulke — made headlines for one minute of scoreless action on January 5. But that same day, a hijab on the hardwood was the bigger news in Division I athletics.
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, a senior guard for the Indiana State Sycamores, notched a career-high 26 points against Missouri Valley Conference opponent Drake. A transfer from Memphis currently competing in her final year of NCAA eligibility, Abdul-Qaadir has worn a hijab on the court since high school, along with long sleeves and leggings. Abdul-Qaadir’s faith and celebrity have taken her to the White House to break the Ramadan fast with President Obama.
For more treatment on the subject of religious headgear and sports, check out the comments on the Big Ten Network’s original Facebook post about Liberman.
