The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes Ewing Township’s $100,000 settlement in a hostile work environment lawsuit with a former Muslim employee.
Taher Mohamed Ali worked as an Environmental Health Specialist for Ewing Township where he was frequently targeted with Islamophobic harassment in the workplace. His colleague at the time, Roy Williams, verbally, sexually and physically harassed Ali for years, kicking him in the groin, sprinkling bacon bits on his desk, even taking his car. For years, Ewing Township failed to stop the harassment and violence in the workplace. The harassment escalated until December 2023 when Williams brandished a knife in the workplace and threatened Ali. A town administrator called police, who then initiated a bias investigation with the local prosecutor’s office. A jury later indicted Williams on five counts, including unlawful possession of a weapon and terroristic threats.
READ: Muslim Employee Accosted at Knifepoint
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:
“While we welcome Ewing Township’s settlement with Taher Mohamed Ali, things never should have escalated to the point of violence. The only reason Williams felt emboldened enough to brandish a knife at the workplace is because of years of inaction by Township supervisors. As soon as Williams began his campaign of Islamophobic harassment, Ewing had a responsibility to enforce disciplinary measures.
“Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. It shouldn’t take police intervention and a lawsuit to protect Muslim Americans’ right to safety in the workplace.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, [email protected], 908-921-1238