Arizona police removed the headscarf (hijab) of four women protesting peacefully at Arizona State University following their arrest, AZ Central reported.
A video from the incident has gone viral, which shows four officers forcibly removing a girl’s headscarf as she sits with her hands tied behind her.
The footage has garnered severe criticism from all over the world, while Muslim advocacy groups are calling for an investigation into the "islamophobic event."
The females were part of the pro-Palestine rally on the university’s campus on Saturday, where nearly 70 people were arrested.
A spokesperson for ASU said that they could not confirm whether university police were involved in the incident but that the matter was under review. No additional details were provided.
Azza Abuseif, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Arizona, said: "It's part of their identity to wear the hijab. This is a gross violation of the religious rights of peaceful protesters."
Hundreds of students have been arrested in the United States so far, with footage emerging of students, professors, and journalists being violently detained by officers on various campuses.
The protests first began in Columbia University and since then has spread to different US states and universities.
Onlooking tourists warned woman to step away from giant bull
Slovakia media says attack was carried out by 71-year-old former security guard who shot premier five times
US President, Republican candidate to engage in US Elections debate
Saudi Arabia is building Neom megacity worth $1.5 trillion
Mukesh Ambani's daughter could not make it to Met Gala 2024 in NYC
UK downs student visas by 80%
