The Muslim Student Association hosted its third annual World Hijab Day event, educating students on the significance of the religious head covering and offering a booth in the Student Center for students to try on an array of hijabs. 

Though the event was downsized due to having fewer board members, the association wanted to make sure the event was informational.

For Sumana Syed, MSA president, and senior film and television major, the event helped spread information about hijabs amidst the Israel-Hamas war. 

“We do have a lot more information of what is going on in Palestine and we also have some keffiyeh scarves to let people try on… to show solidarity,” Syed said. 

But it also was a way to introduce the head covering to students more generally. 

“We brought a lot of things together to make it look nice and cute and eye-catching,” Syed said. 

MSA’s Social Media Manager Sarah Hasany said having the event on the first floor of the Student Center helped with attendance, saying it was a “great place to get that publicity.” 

The event meant a lot to Hasany, who has worn a hijab since her early teens. She said it is important to share information about hijabs in light of negative stigmas that people may have. 

“Typically hijabs are associated with oppression,” the junior fashion studies major said. “Every hijabi that puts on a hijab, [has a] choice to wear it…it’s a very empowering thing.” 

Senior fashion merchandising major Dianeli Trinidad saw the booth last year but had to work so she followed MSA’s Instagram page to keep up with events. Trinidad made sure to attend this year, along with her friend, Isabella Paceco, who is also a senior fashion merchandising major. 

The two said they attended to be more interactive with clubs and learn about cultures apart from their own. 

“I feel beautiful,” Paceco said. “Last year I got to keep the scarf that I wore, and I wore it to work. It was definitely a new experience for me.” 

Paceco said she felt “really great” in the hijab and liked how helpful the club members were as they helped her decide which one she wanted and different ways to style it. 

“I don’t wear a hijab on the daily, so it’s definitely really interesting to learn about things that are new to us, and trying and seeing for ourselves,” Paceco said.

This story has been updated.