Hijab Day Recieves Backlash

 A high school in Cincinnati, Ohio continues to receive backlash after cancelling a student-led event inviting girls to wear a Muslim headscarf for the day.

The now cancelled Covered Girl Challenge was scheduled for April 23rd, but as soon as Mason High Principal, Mindy McCarty-Stewart took note of all the backlash, the event was cancelled and an email was sent out stating:

“I now realize that as adults we should have given our students better guidance. After much consideration and after talking with the student event organizers, we have canceled the event,” Stewart said.

Although some said it made light of Muslim tradition, others said head coverings represent oppression of women. 

One former school board candidate felt that the event was unfair.

"I do not recall getting an email announcing a Christian cross wearing day or a booth for information about the Christian persecution from Islamic terrorists. What happened to the argument of the separation of church and state, " said Sharon Poe.

The argument here is whether one should be forced to walk in other peoples footsteps to understand their culture or should we stop forcing it and just try and get to know others before we judge?

The intent of the Covered Girl Challenge was to celebrate diversity and to “promote open mindedness,” which was explained in a letter sent home to parents of Mason High.

Although the headscarf wearing was not mandatory, was the initial plan suggesting that religion and the state are no longer separate?

Shouldn't our schools be focusing on teaching students reading, writing and math to help them flourish in the real world? Although learning about other cultures and religions is important, there are separate classes that can teach those topics. Or there are after school events that can be held to help inform others on ones culture and activities.

I think it's important for every religion and culture to respect one another and not to look down upon another.

What's your take on the Mason High School issue?

For more on the full story...click below.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4184579816001/high-school-face-backlash-for-covered-girl-challenge/?#sp=show-clips

Currently in the U.S

Well it was a different day for those working in the U.S Capitol this morning.

According to CNN, shots were fired on the west front of the U.S Capitol earlier this afternoon, leaving one man dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Although the suspected shooter was "neutralized", the building was sent into lock down as a precautionary measure.

U.S Capitol Police officers are also investigating a suspicious package on the lower west terrace of the Capitol.

No one is allowed to enter or exit the Capitol or the Capitol Visitors Center during the lockdown.

 

Federal officials are telling the media that there are no indications at this point of terrorism. 

      

The investigation is in its early stages as authorities work to find the man's car.

 

 

       

 

Goodbye College, Hello To The Rest Of My Life

It's absolutely crazy to think in 5 short weeks I will graduate from Central Michigan University.
It's been a great run, but I'm ready to move on.

I remember moving up to Mount Pleasant as a Freshman with one dream, and that was to be a news reporter. Throughout my time in college, I pushed myself to become the best photographer, editor, and storyteller that I could be. I got involved my freshman year with Alliance for Women in Media, which gave me the opportunity to network with both my colleagues and professionals in the industry. In addition, I got involved with News Central 34, Central's award-winning, on-campus news station.

Below is a picture with me and some members from Alliance for Women in Media in 2012.

After my freshman year, I wanted to get a head start on things, so I decided to go ahead and get my first internship. I decided to take an internship in my hometown called City of Holland TV. There, I was able to direct, produce and report.

I think passion and dedication speaks volumes in the broadcasting industry. If you're willing to push yourself and go the extra mile, more times than not, you will make it.

After that internship, I headed into my Sophomore year wanting to set myself a part from others even more, so I decided to study abroad in Singapore for 5.5 months. Overseas, I took classes on newspaper writing, film directing, and on-air television presence. I also took a course in Chinese.

(Below is a picture of me directing a short film we called "Neck").

That summer, I spent my time interning at Fox 2 News in Detroit, which was an experience that I will never forget. (Pictured below)

Before starting my summer internship with HOMTV, I continued to heavily involve myself in the extra-curriculars at CMU. I got involved in a sorority, I reported and anchored for News Central 34, and I started reporting for CMU athletics.

Yes, I'll miss the tailgates, staying up all night to study, hanging out with my sorority sisters, and all of the other opportunities college has provided me with, but I have to remember that college is just a stepping stone, helping me prepare for my real life.

I have some big changes heading my way, and I can't wait to embrace them. I've worked too hard and too long to give up on my dreams, and I can't wait to put all of this hard work at college to work at my first big girl job.

Thanks CMU for the absolutely incredible memories!
Coming to CMU was hands down the best decision of my life. The teachers I've had, the people I've met, the places I've lived, and the opportunities that were presented to me, were all amazing.

I'll come back to visit, and as always, Fire Up Chips!

It's been my dream to be a news reporter since I stepped into my high school's broadcasting class back in 2009. Ever since I was young, I loved to sing, dance and act. I loved being in the spotlight. But as time passed, I realized that maybe that spotlight wasn't as important as I thought, and that maybe I should channel my passion for acting into helping people through news reporting.

Ever since that day in 2009, I have done all I can to make my dream of becoming a news reporter a reality. I have involved myself in extra-curricular activities including: Reporting for News Central 34, being a member and now, the president of Alliance for Women in Media, I joined a sorority to help me network, and I have landed 6 media related internships.

I love what I do and I can't wait to graduate in May and get full-time a job.

I took this picture this past summer during a report I did on road construction in Meridian Township. As a journalist, it's important that I understand how to work a camera. I love filming. It let's me show people things that they normally wouldn't see. I can get super close, or super far away, and best yet, I can capture emotion. 

This picture was taken in August during the Primary Election. I was asking my camera man if he was recording, hence the silly face. I was fortunate enough to live report at Rochester Brewery in Rochester Hills for Mike Bishop's election party. I was the first reporter to get an interview from Mike after he won. It was also my first time doing a live interview!

This picture is very important to me. This picture was taken early March in front of CMU's Fabiano Botanical Garden after I finished my first live report for News Central 34. It also marked the first day I turned a news story in just 3 hours. I was really proud of myself that day and I look forward to doing it again.

This picture was taken downtown Mount Pleasant during my report on the Dickens Festival name change. Before this picture was taken, I had lugged my camera equipment and tri-pod 5 blocks only to find that the place I needed to film was 6 blocks back the other way. Although it was tiring, it was a rewarding experience getting to report during such a cheerful holiday tradition.

 

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed!