Asma Bahrami

In a Western world that sexualizes women, modest dress, including the hijab, makes statement that the wearer is to be respected for who she is and what she says, not for her physical attractiveness.

One of our student leaders here at Purdue is, unfortunately, one of those people who lives such a hypocritical life. Asma Bahrami, a junior in the College of Pharmacy, wears the hijab, and defended it publically in the Exponent.

I am hesitant to say something that might sound like gheebah, but we should not allow hypocrites to embarrass us and to shame our community.

Yes, Asma looks and dresses the part. It certainly takes some bravery to wear the hijab today in the United States. Those who wear it and act modestly bring respect and honor upon us and upon our entire community.

But those, like Asma, who act immodestly, especially with men, are only doing more damage when they pretend to believe in the values of the Muslim faith.

It is no coincidence that you don't see many Muslim women playing mixed sports with men.

In sports, the athletes pant and sweat. They wear immodest tight clothing. They often come into physical contact with one another.

But Asma, wearing her hijab and supposedly modest, plays tennis. And not only that, but she played mixed doubles – meaning she has a male partner- for her high school tennis team. Imagine it, a Muslim woman, who is supposed to be the epitome of virtue, wearing provocative clothing with a man next to her or behind her, bumping into each other, practicing together after school, slapping each other five for encouragement.

She also played soccer, with men watching her sprint around the field, even though she was wearing her hijab.

But it's not only that. Asma prides herself on being part of the average, non-believer community on campus. She brags about being the only hijabi in her high school. And her behavior, sadly, makes it seems like she really identifies more with Western behaviors and values than true Islamic ones. She flirts with boys and touches them in public.

It is time for Asma to change her shameful ways, or to stop this hypocrisy where she is modest on the outside but terribly immodest behind.