The State Library of NSW has apologised after a security guard removed a student wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf.
The library posted an apology on its Instagram page, explaining the guard had asked the student wearing the keffiyeh to leave the building, in the Sydney CBD.
It said management had since spoken to the guard involved.
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“We want to extend our sincerest apologies to the student affected by this incident and encourage them to get in touch with the Library,” the statement said.
“The library does not condone discrimination on the grounds of cultural dress. This is outlined in our Reader and Visitor Code of Conduct.”
The keffiyeh is a cotton headdress that has a distinct pattern linked to Palestinian history and culture.
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza sparked international outcry as the enclave was pummelled with airstrikes following October 7, 2023, while being restricted from aid, fuel and medical supplies.
People globally have worn the keffiyeh as a symbol of solidarity with the 36,000 Palestinians killed.
The latest war in the intergenerational conflict between Israel and Palestine followed a Hamas-led incursion into Israel that killed 1200 and more than 200 hostages taken, of whom about 100 are believed to still be in Gaza.
Islamophobia Register, an Australian organisation dedicated to registering and combating discrimination against Muslims, reported in the weeks following October 7 that reports of Islamophobia initially increased 10-fold then 13-fold a month later.
The State Library of NSW said it strived to create “create a space where everyone feels safe and welcome”.
To ensure such an incident was not repeated, the library said it would reaffirm the “Library’s Reader and Visitor Code of Conduct” with staff members.