Make Cops Wear Headscarves

Writer: Martin Voogd

As long as Dilan Yeşilgöz is justice and security minister, police uniforms will be neutral. She made this statement after the new national coordinator against racism and discrimination within the police argued that an officer should be allowed to wear a headscarf. Johan van Renswoude was given the task of raising discrimination within the force after several revelations about racism within the police. For example, racists from the Rotterdam police were reprimanded in writing in 2021 after they used terms like “cunt Africans” and “pauper immigrants” in a whatsapp group. I am glad these officers do not wear a yarmulke, headscarf or cross, otherwise I would have my doubts about their neutrality.

An internal investigation following the whatsapp messages the officers sent revealed that they “do their work professionally and on an equal footing”.

The desire for neutrality has always made me feel uncomfortable. Striving for neutrality is important, but an officer who believes he can be completely neutral would benefit from a good dose of self-reflection. Since individuals cannot be neutral, it is all the more important that there is room for all population groups within the police force, including women wearing headscarves. The consequence of the outward neutrality that Yeşilgöz aspires for the police is that the force can never reflect society.

In short, right-wing politicians who keep talking about the importance of a neutral uniform should start dealing with the issues that really matter. Officers who express racist views should have no place in the police force. If a coordinator is appointed to tackle abuses, you should listen to his advice. If you don't, I get the idea that it is not about neutrality at all, but Islamophobia. When I see a police uniform, I don't think of neutrality but wonder what apps the wearer would have sent.

¹ nos.nl/article/2450619-coordinator-racism-fighting-police-finds-agent-with-head scarf-must-be-allowed

² nos.nl/article/2452789-yesilgoz-no headscarf-by-police-in-uniform

³ nos.nl/article/2370219-rotterdam-agents-get-written-reprimand-for-racist-apps