No settlement over Muslim girl suspended from school because of head scarf

(Muskogee-AP) -- No settlement was reached as lawyers for Muskogee Public Schools met with those of a Muslim girl suspended from school for wearing a head scarf. <br><br>School attorney DD Hayes and lawyers

Thursday, December 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Muskogee-AP) -- No settlement was reached as lawyers for Muskogee Public Schools met with those of a Muslim girl suspended from school for wearing a head scarf.

School attorney DD Hayes and lawyers for the family of 11-year-old Nashala Hearn met yesterday in a settlement conference. Hayes says no agreement was reached and he's prohibited from discussing the case further.

The girl's father, Eyvine, also says he can't comment because of a gag order.

The girl was suspended in October for wearing a hijab, which Muslims wear as part of their religion. School officials believe it violates the district's dress code, but allowed Nashala to return to school while the policy is reviewed.

A civil liberties group then sued the district, saying it violated the girl's rights to free speech and exercise of religion.