• 22
  • July
    2011

In this economy, students throughout San Francisco are working hard to find jobs. Whether people are looking for a means of paying their way through college or simply looking to earn extra income, it is important for everyone to receive a fair chance at the positions they apply for.

Unfortunately, that is not always what happens. One teenager was recently the victim of religious discrimination during her job interview with Abercrombie & Fitch. When the girl wore a hijab, or head scarf, to her job interview, the company refused to hire her because she violated the company's "look policy."

The "look policy" Abercrombie was interested in enforcing banned wearing head scarves because they believed it would create a burden on their business operations. The EEOC disagreed. One spokesperson for the EEOC said, "In this case, the Court's ruling makes clear an EEOC employer's 'corporate image' does not relieve an employer of the obligation to provide a reasonable religious accommodation."

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated that Abercrombie committed religious discrimination for failing to respect the girl's religious beliefs. The federal court agreed with the EEOC, and they stated that Abercrombie & Fitch failed to provide "sufficient evidence to dispute the EEOC's claim."

At this point, it has not been determined how much money Abercrombie & Fitch will be responsible for paying the girl. A jury will determine the damages owed later. In California, employment discrimination of any type is illegal, and employees who bring cases against their employers can help ensure justice is brought to their workplace.

Source: KTUL, "Court Agrees With EEOC in Head Scarf Discrimination Lawsuit," Natalie Andres, 15 July 2011