Source: Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2003/09/15/news/news03.txt

On September 15, 2003 the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier reported that "when intolerant people call her 'Osama's girlfriend,' Eastern Illinois University student Amna Latif bears it with grace. After all, she said, those jeers pale next to her devotion to God. That's why she still wears a 'hijab.' 'The best way to preach is to set our own example,' said Latif, with only her large, brown eyes visible through the green and white checkered veil and head covering. She also has the admiration of her peers and elders, who feared wearing the traditional Muslim garb ever since Sept. 11, 2001. Some would like to do so again, for practical and spiritual reasons. And that contrasts to the popular notion that Islamic women are forced to dress as such, they said. These and other myths were dispelled Saturday during a forum at Eastern Illinois University, as four panelists discussed their past, present and future as women of Islam."