Orthodox Jewish groups take up the cause of the Muslim woman who was denied employment at Abercrombie & Fitch because her hijab did not fit the image of the company, according to Haaretz. It’s not as if the company’s image has been so fantastic in recent years, after it was rumored that management wanted the company’s clothes destroyed rather than be available second hand, lest the homeless and poor wear their fashions. Also, Botox-filled now ousted CEO Michael Jeffries didn’t want plus sizes, because he wanted his clothing to grace the bodies of those who are thin or young (or at least appear to be).
Now Abercrombie & Fitch has a case on its hands for religious discrimination. Samantha Elauf, a Muslim, claimed she was denied in a Tulsa based store because the hijab didn’t fit in with the “look policy” of “classic East coast collegiate style of clothing.”
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Nathan Lewin, who represents an Orthodox Jewish group, commented, “This is a common experience that a lot of Sabbath observers or those wearing yarmulkes have had in terms of applying for a position and being turned down because it is a nuisance to employers. It is important Orthodox groups express support for this Muslim woman who has had a similar experience.”
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission got $20, 000 from Abercrombie on Elauf’s behalf, but the verdict was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals on the claim that Elauf did not request religious accommodation. The case will go to the Supreme Court in October.
