The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed its support for the right of a food service workers at Arizona State University (ASU) to wear religious attire, including the hijab (Islamic headscarf), without fear of discrimination or bias in the workplace.
The statement follows allegations brought forward by union representatives and food service employees against Aramark, ASU’s dining services provider, regarding religious discrimination and workplace accommodation policies.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and state anti-discrimination laws, employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs – including religious dress and grooming practices -unless doing so poses an undue hardship on the operation of the business.
In a statement, CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
“Every worker deserves a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Wearing a hijab is a fundamental expression of religious belief and identity. Wearing hijab is protected by law. We call on Aramark and ASU to ensure that religious accommodation policies are upheld, clearly communicated, and respected by management at all levels.”
She urged Aramark management to review its internal policies, conduct comprehensive anti-discrimination and cultural competency training for supervisory staff, and work in good faith with employees and their labor representatives to resolve these concerns promptly.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help employers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the workplace.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, [email protected], 480-704-3786; [email protected], 623-850-1649; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]