The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) announced today that the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has issued a finding of “probable cause” in a discrimination complaint against a McDonald’s restaurant in Chicopee that allegedly served a Muslim customer pork, the consumption of which is prohibited in the Islamic faith.
The case was filed in 2022 by CAIR-MA on behalf of Ghadir Alahmar, who is identifiable as a Muslim by her hijab (Islamic headscarf) and modest clothing that she wears. Her complaint alleged that McDonalds’ workers deliberately filled a fish sandwich with bacon — a food most Americans know is forbidden in Islam — that Alahmar ordered for her then 7-year-old son.
SEE: CAIR-MA Files Claim Against McDonald’s on Behalf of Muslim Woman Intentionally Served Bacon
“We are encouraged by this significant finding, which allows the case to advance,” said CAIR-MA Legal Director, attorney Barbara J. Dougan, who represents the family. “While this is not yet a final resolution, it’s gratifying that MCAD saw through the justifications offered by McDonald’s to explain this disturbing incident at the Chicopee store. MCAD’s finding brings us one step closer to accountability and justice for the family.”
The decision reads in part:
“A fact-finder may reasonably conclude that [McDonald’s] staff perceived [Alahmar] and her family to be Muslim based on her dressing in the Hijab and a long gown, and her difference in national origin based on her accent. [McDonald’s] also state[s] that one of their employees was aware of the tenets of [Alahmar’s] religion that prohibit the consumption of products that come from pig, which may suggest that serving [Alahmar] bacon was not in error.”
Ghadir Alahmar issued this statement: “I’m happy that MCAD decided there’s Probable Cause that McDonald’s discriminated against us. Even now, my son tells me that every time he sees a McDonald’s, he still thinks about what happened to us. I want McDonald’s to make changes to employee hiring and training so that only people who are respectful and welcoming work there, not racist or prejudiced people. My son said the same thing – I want them not to hate Muslims.”
The Commission has scheduled a conciliation session in February 2025 for the parties to discuss the possibility of a settlement.
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-MA Legal Director Barbara J. Dougan, 781-281-9992, bdougan@cair.com