NY sued over treatment of Muslim prison guard | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

NY sued over treatment of Muslim prison guard

Reuters | By, New York
Mar 17, 2007 11:39 AM IST

Abdus Haqq, a Muslim corrections officer, was refused the right to wear skullcap on the job.

The New York Department of Corrections discriminates against Muslim prison guards by refusing to accommodate religious practices or beliefs into its uniform requirements, according to a lawsuit filed on Thursday by the US Justice Department.

HT Image
HT Image

The suit, filed in Manhattan federal court, cited the case of Abdus Samad Haqq, a Muslim corrections officer, who was refused the right to wear a kufi, or skullcap, on the job in 2005.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Haqq had worn it without incident during his many years with the department before he was told he could not wear it, according to the suit.

"Americans are not required to abandon their religion when they report to work," said Wan J Kim, the Assistant Attorney General for the US Department of Justice's Civil Rights division, which filed the case jointly with the US Attorney's Office.

The Department of Corrections does not make exceptions to its uniform and grooming requirements for uniformed security personnel, according to its own policy.

But federal law dictates that Americans are entitled to equal protection in the workplace, so long as accommodating them does not cause undue hardship for the employer, the suit said.

Haqq's private lawsuit against New York state, which asks that it be ordered to permit him to wear a kufi, is pending.

The Justice Department's lawsuit seeks a broader order for a new policy that accommodates the religious observances, practices and beliefs of uniformed personnel.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On