In 2010, Abercrombie and Fitch, one of America’s leading clothing brands for young adults, faced legal charges for religious discrimination. These charges, made by former A&F employee Umme-Hani Khan were passed in court two days ago.
Khan was fired by Abercrombie and Fitch in 2010 for not adhering to the company’s “look policy” by keeping her hijab on at work. Although the local supervisor permitted Khan to keep her headscarf on during work, she was later asked to remove it by the district manager. After refusing to remove the hijab, Umme-Hani Khan was fired. She then took legal action against Abercrombie and Fitch.
The federal government of the United States of America agrees that A&F Co. has violated the guidelines for employee discrimination; however, a company should have the right to establish its own dress policies and enforce them on its employees. The brand has always had a very specific “look policy” and it hires its employees on the grounds that they will adhere to them. These policies include bans on eyeliner, and nail polish. However, these rules serve to unify, not to discriminate. The company’s terms should not be considered as discrimination but a way of marketing the brand’s image.
Resources:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=461924