Sheeva Ghassemi Published in The National Law Journal
“Making Space for Islam in the Workplace”

Sheeva Ghassemi’s article “Making Space for Islam in the Workplace,” was published in the September 28, 2009 issue of The National Law Journal. In her article, Sheeva discuses how employers have been forced to confront the practice of Islam and the challenges it presents in the workplace. She notes, “Muslim employees have begun requesting, and in certain circumstances demanding, that they be allowed to practice their religion at work.”

In her article, Sheeva points to EEOC v. Alamo Rent-A-Car LLC, as an example. In this case, Alamo terminated Muslim employee, Bilan Nur, for wearing a head covering at work during Ramadan. Sheeva explains, “A few days after the start of Ramadan, Nur requested permission to wear a head covering during the holy month. Alamo informed Nur that she could wear the head covering while working in the back of the office, but not while working at the rental counter.” She further explains that Nur wore her head covering to work for three days in a row, received several verbal and written warnings and was eventually suspended. Sheeva also notes that upon her return to work, Nur was terminated for violating the dress policy.

According to Sheeva, “Despite the cost, Fortune 500 companies have begun to accommodate their Muslim employees. International Business Machines Corp. provides a washroom for Muslim employees to perform ablutions. Companies such as Texas Instruments Inc. and Ford Motor Corp. have created religious affinity groups to assist in addressing religious education and accommodation issues.” She concludes, “…Religious accommodation remains within the employer’s discretion as long as the cost is more than de minimis. Nevertheless, employers should be cautious when failing to accommodate their Muslim employees, especially as their influence in the workplace increases.”