EEOC and North Carolina Medical Group Settle on Religious Discrimination Claim

November 18, 2002

Source: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

http://www.eeoc.gov/press/11-13-02.html

On November 18, 2002 The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported that "the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced a... settlement under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act... of an employment discrimination claim... The agency's Charlotte District Office alleged that, during the fall of 2001, Ms. Crisco was subjected to a hostile work environment because of her religion and her romantic relationship with a Muslim man whom her co-workers believed to be of Middle Eastern or Arab descent. The EEOC asserted that Ms. Crisco's hostile work environment included verbal harassment and derogatory remarks related to the events of September 11. Ms. Crisco... requested that she be allowed to wear a religious head scarf ('Hijab') to work. The EEOC alleged that, after Ms. Crisco wore the head scarf for one day, the medical practice advised her that she had to remove it, stating that her appearance had frightened numerous patients. The EEOC asserted that the Medical Clinic failed to accommodate Ms. Crisco's religious beliefs and constructively discharged her based on her religion. Further information about the Commission, including fact sheets and other information about 9/11-related backlash discrimination, is available on its web site."