A police officer who was denied the right to wear a head scarf as required by her Muslim beliefs, and was subsequently fired, has received a settlement from New Jersey's Essex County after the Justice Department took up her case.
The Justice Department last year sued Essex County for violating civil rights laws. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin or religion.
In a settlement announced Friday, Beshier will receive $25,000. Essex County also has adopted a religious accommodation policy and will train employees regarding religious discrimination.
