(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/3/2023) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today filed a lawsuit against the Department of State for its refusal to provide religious accommodations to a Muslim employee.
Devin Brooks, a Muslim man, keeps a well-maintained beard, as his sincerely-held religious beliefs require. Brooks was hired as an Armed Uniformed Protection Officer with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security by the State Department through Inter-Con, a security services company. He accepted the position after being told his beard would not be an issue.
SEE: COMPLAINT
When in mandatory training for his new position, Brooks was told that he would be sent home if he did not shave his beard. Forced to choose between his faith and his job, Brooks made the painful decision to shave. He then asked for permission to maintain a beard the length of which would be determined by holding it with his fist, a traditional length supported by many Islamic scholars.
The State Department denied Brooks’ request, citing safety concerns, and later ended Brooks’ employment, forcing him to find another job. He currently works in a similar security position at another federal agency while maintaining a beard without issue.
The Department of State’s failure to accommodate Brooks’ reasonable accommodation request violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
“The Department of State’s so-called safety concerns are not an undue hardship,” said CAIR Staff Attorney Zanah Ghalawanji. “A fist-length beard doesn’t pose a safety problem, and we look forward to proving that in court.”
“Nobody should be forced to choose between their faith and their job,” said CAIR Staff Attorney Hannah Mullen. “The Department of State could have easily accommodated Mr. Brooks. Bureaucracy and a lack of respect for religion are not defenses to Title VII and RFRA.”
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.
CAIR: An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos
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CONTACT: CAIR Staff Attorney Zanah Ghalawanji 202-742-6420, zghalawanji@cair.com; CAIR Staff Attorney Hannah Mullen, 202-742-6420, hmullen@cair.com