Written by Don Byrd
A Taco Bell operator in North Carolina has agreed to pay $27,000 to settle a religious discrimination suit brought by the EEOC. An employee who is a practicing Nazirite explained that his religious beliefs barred him from cutting his hair, but was still dismissed from his job for refusing to do so. Yesterday’s announcement by the EEOC sends a strong message to employers.
“No person should be forced to choose between his religion and his job when the company can provide an accommodation without suffering an undue hardship,” said Lynette A. Barnes, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte District, which includes the Raleigh Area Office, where the original charge of discrimination was filed. “We are pleased that, in resolving this case, Family Foods is taking action to ensure that it fulfills its obligations toward its employees under federal law.”
