Mass. college announces a religious exemption to its ban on face-covering clothing

Mass. college relaxes face-obscuring clothing ban

BOSTON — A Massachusetts college that banned students from wearing head coverings that obscure the face has announced a religious exemption following criticism from Muslim groups.

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences bans students from wearing clothing such as burqas and face veils, as well as ski masks and scarves.

The school amended the policy Thursday, saying those exempted on religious grounds will be required to remove any covering to verify their identity for security purposes.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations had asked federal officials to investigate, saying the policy would have “a disproportionate impact on the religious rights of Muslim employees.”