Does California Need To Revamp Discrimination Laws?

Does California Need To Revamp Discrimination Laws?

By Jasmine Roziers

Most states in the US have laws to prevent employee-based discrimination. The laws were set to prevent discrimination against a person for their sexual orientation, religion, creed, race and handicap. However, California has been under fire for their lack of enforcement on the laws set in place for the state. KCET explains how a young girl applied for a job at a beauty supply store and got the job, without the hijab. The tune changed when she showed up to work with her hijab on.

She was later given an ultimatum, she either had to take off her hijab or leave the store. how she was instantly dismissed because of her hijab. The young girl tried to open the mind of the manager ,"After explaining her religious beliefs and the significance of hijab to her manager -- an expression of devotion to God and symbol of modesty and privacy expressed through religious dress that is not unique to Islam -- she is still sent home. While she is allowed to keep her job and continue wearing her hijab, the young woman sees a cut in work hours, and is assigned to work in the back of the shop."
Most of the post-911 fear has changed the way other religions see those of the Islamic faith. KCET reports the alarming facts, "Despite a 2012 California law prohibiting religious discrimination in the workplace, many Muslims described instances of a hostile work environment, alleging harassment about terrorism, politics or religion, retaliation and wrongful termination, and failure to accommodate religious practices, such as wearing hijab, growing facial hair or taking prayer breaks during the day. Employment discrimination composed the highest number of complaints in the report, at 15 percent." Christians and other religious groups have a horrid taste in their mouths after 9/11; however, discriminating against an entire group over a few individuals actions is not right. Especially after the state modified the laws to include all parties that can be discriminated against. Religion or faith does not change ones work ethic or their character.