SCOTUS to Rule on Request for Religious Accommodation at Work - East Idaho News
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SCOTUS to Rule on Request for Religious Accommodation at Work

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getty 100314 scotus?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1412331081272iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — One of the cases on the U.S. Supreme Court’s docket this session is whether a job applicant must give a prospective employer advance notice of any request for religious accommodation.

The case involves Samantha Elauf, who was 17 when she interviewed for work at an Abercrombie store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Elauf, a Muslim, wore a head scarf to her appointment.

She was given a passing grade by an assistant manager but it was overruled by a supervisor, who maintained that Abercrombie’s “look” policy forbids the wearing of hats or head scarves.

Although the supervisor later said he didn’t realize the scarf was worn for religious reason, Elauf didn’t get the job.

Elauf then complained to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which sued Abercrombie. However, the decision to award her $20,000 was thrown out by a higher court, which deemed that Elauf was at fault for not telling Abercrombie that her religious beliefs conflicted with its policies on dress.

Ironically, Abercrombie has since changed its look policy and now allows women to wear head scarves for religious reasons. The change came after the EEOC sued on behalf of two other Muslim women, winning a verdict for monetary compensation.


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