In a significant legal development, fast-casual Mexican chain Chipotle is currently facing a lawsuit filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of Areej Saifan, a former employee at Chipotle in Lenexa, Kansas. The lawsuit revolves around allegations of religious harassment and retaliation against Saifan, a Muslim woman who wore a hijab due to her religious beliefs.
The lawsuit outlines a distressing pattern of behavior by an assistant manager who repeatedly harassed Saifan, pressuring her to remove her hijab. Shockingly, the assistant manager asked Saifan to take off her hijab around ten to fifteen times over approximately one month. On one occasion, the harassment escalated when the assistant manager reached out and physically yanked Saifan's hijab, exposing her hair.
Despite Saifan reporting this harassment to a shift supervisor, the issue was not escalated to higher management as it should have been. Due to the lack of appropriate intervention by management, Saifan was left with no choice but to resign and submit her two-week notice.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now pursuing a legal course of action, seeking a jury trial in Kansas City. They are also advocating for Saifan's right to appropriate back pay with prejudgment interest. This lawsuit highlights the importance of addressing religious discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
