The State Library of NSW has apologised after a student wearing a keffiyeh was asked to leave by security.
Issuing a public apology, the State Library said it was “deeply distressed” the student was asked to leave by a security guard on Sunday for wearing the keffiyeh.
The keffiyeh is a traditional scarf which has been linked to the struggle for a Palestinian state for decades.
“We want to extend our sincerest apologies to the student affected by this incident,” the State Library said in a statement, later confirming it had contacted the student’s family to offer its “sincere apologies”.
“The library does not condone discrimination on the grounds of cultural dress … We have taken immediate action and have spoken to the security guard about this incident.”
In a statement to Guardian Australia, a library spokesperson said: “We support free and open access to books and information, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels safe and welcome.”
The State Library said it would be “reaffirming” its reader and visitor code of conduct with all staff members to “ensure this does not happen again”.
In May the Victorian parliament became one of few in the world to ban MPs from wearing the keffiyeh, deeming the scarf political.
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Independent MP Lidia Thorpe wore the keffiyeh in the Senate last October as she likened the struggle of Palestinians to that of Indigenous Australians.
Also last year, Sydney Theatre Company apologised after three cast members wore keffiyehs during a curtain call for the opening of The Seagull, signalling support for Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.
