Physicians are faced with many employment law issues, with discrimination being a common one. Frequently, physicians must endure employers or executives who are unsympathetic to their religious views and can discriminate against them in multiple ways. It is important for physicians to understand that they are protected by the same employment laws as anyone else. Philadelphia health care lawyers report on a recent religious discrimination case in Virginia.
Muslim Dental Assistant Victim of Religious Discrimination
In Virginia, a Muslim dental assistant was recently allegedly the victim of religious discrimination in the workplace. The dental assistant was terminated from her position for wearing a hijab to work. She had not worn the hijab to her interview, nor for her first two days on the job. However, after three days, due to the spiritual importance of the hijab to her faith, she decided to wear it to work.
Upon wearing her hijab in the workplace, the owner of the dental care facility asked her to remove it. Insisting that there was no room for religious clothing in the workplace and that she could offend patients, he told the dental assistant to either take off her hijab and continue working, or be fired. The woman chose to the latter and walked out, refusing to compromise her religion.
Federal Discrimination Laws
If an employer fires or refuses to hire an individual based on their religious views, they are in violation of federal discrimination laws. These laws are outlined in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. A medical professional who has been victimized by discrimination has a right to bring suit against their employer.
In the case outlined above, the employer has come under fire from the Council of American Islamic Relationships (CAIR). CAIR has called upon the dentist to re-hire the victimized dental assistant, and institute new accommodations for religious tolerance. However, the dental assistant in question has expressed no desire to return to the workplace that discriminated against her.
Philadelphia Health Care Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Medical Professionals
If you are a physician or a medical professional who feels that they have been discriminated against, the experienced Philadelphia health care lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates can help you seek the justice that you deserve. We are devoted to defending the civil rights of medical workers and professionals. Complete our online contact form or call us at 215-569-1999 to schedule a consultation. From our offices located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
