Some people need a refresher course on religious expression in the workplace...

[Solon]

I'm battling against the stupidity displayed here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2501788

Most people in that thread seem to automatically assume that the woman in question is making an unreasonable request in regards to her religious beliefs. This isn't true, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the EMPLOYER has to PROVE that the woman is creating an undue burden on the employer by asking to wear her Hijab at work. To be honest, I don't see how they can prove an undue burden would take place, if this were a factory job, where there is a serious danger that her hijab would get caught in machinery and cause her serious physical harm, I could see the point, but for a cashier? I don't think so. If you have any confusion about this cut and dried law, why not actually read the damned thing before you spout uninformed opinions. Here I'll help.

http://www.eeoc.gov/types/religion.html

[William769]

1. Not to play devils advocate but in GA I can see how that would be a undue burden

They would probably have the KKK outside rallying.

:hide:

[Solon]

2. Well, according to the EEOC, I don't think that would be a good excuse...

They would say that the employer is obligated to protect its employees from harassment and discrimination while at the workplace.

[William769]

3. As a Gay man, do you know how laughable I find that statement?

Sorry i didn't mean to get of track.

I see your point.

[Solon]

6. I can understand that, I wish GLBT folks were added to the protected classes on the federal level...

instead of having a haphazard set of local and state laws.

[Selatius]

4. The EEOC has brought a federal lawsuit against the employer in question.

It appears your interpretation of Title VII is correct. As an aside, I agree with your interpretation of the relevant law.

[madeline_con]

5. I didn't know the percent of negative responses, but

some were positively stupid, and surprised me that they were DU members.

"A major oil company" in Saudi Arabia will not allow certain workers to wear traditional dress, because it may well get caught in machinery.

Most Saudi office staff wear a thobe and a gutra, though.

I can't see the lady getting injured serving food or running a register vaccuum or mop. If the job entails other duties where safety is an issue, I'm not sure she'd want the job, or maybe she could wear hijab in a way that doesn't hang down from her head, maybe turban stryle. :shrug:

[Solon]

8. The thing I find interesting is that its not like Muslim women are the ONLY ones...

who wear head scarves. I've worked jobs with looser dress codes where women, in cashier, janitorial, and many other capacities, wear head scarves. Usually only when the weather was cooler, to protect their ears and such, but if such scarves get in the way, they usually will tie them behind their heads or under the chin, whatever works best for the situation. I don't see how Muslim women would be any less practical.

[pscot]

7. Yes, but then the opinions wouldn't be uninformed

and where's the fun in that?

[Clark2008]

9. Solon, don't you know that law only applies to CHRISTIAN expression?

:sarcasm:

[RC]

10. Just because a person is posting on DU and maybe even is

Liberal on most things, their mono-polar adherence to their version of Christianity will come first against any non Christian religion..., and even some Christian religions. No surprise here anymore.

[Solon]

11. Well, since stupid people are still making comments on the other thread...

and are apparently as uninformed as always, I'm kicking this to the top to try to stave off the ignorance, I'm going to bed, good night all!