With the tense political landscape in the US, it can feel like everyone has a problem with something, a problem one woman is experiencing at her job at a grocer in Texas. The point of contention is her religious headscarf, which her boss allegedly is forcing her to remove. Reddit user Normal-Brick1722 posted to r/legaladvice to explain how she’s been working as a cashier at a grocery store for two years. She’s never had an issue wearing her headscarf until now, with her co-workers “finding it unfair.”
According to the post, Normal-Brick1722’s supervisor has recently tightened the dress code for employees. In the past, this supervisor knew the religious reasons why OP wore her headscarf and even publicly acknowledged her accommodation once. However, her co-workers have allegedly told the boss they don’t like seeing Normal-Brick1722 wearing her headscarf since dress code regulations have become stricter.
“I’m severely disappointed and feel this is unjustified. This can’t be legal, right?” OP questioned. She continued, adding how she’s been offered “alternatives” of company headwear to cover the top of her head. Ironically, she feels that this is unfair to her. “Would I be putting my job in jeopardy by continuing to show up in my headscarf?” she wrote, asking Reddit for an answer.
Reddit Urges the Texas Cashier to Not Remove Her Headscarf
Thousands of Redditors upvoted a commenter’s suggestion: “Continue wearing your headscarf. Do not take it off. If you voluntarily remove it, the company could argue you accepted the change.” The user explained why they strongly believe that Normal-Brick1722 should be allowed to wear her headscarf. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, she’s allowed religious accomation, and if her boss tries to overstep this, she can file a charge of discrimination.
Others chimed in, adding how Normal-Brick1722 should wait until her business management puts this verbal dress code rule into writing, after which she’ll have an easier time taking it to court. “HR will either correct management, or be stupid enough to shoot themselves in the foot and reinforce that you can’t wear it,” a commenter wrote.
Normal-Brick1722 has yet to report or update her situation at work regarding her headscarf, but based on Redditord commenting her post, she has every right to wear her religious headwear. Though whether her co-workers will change their minds about how it’s “unfair” remains to be seen as well.
