Attorney Carney Shegerian, founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica employment law firm, has commented on recent allegations concerning six former Hertz employees alleging the company harassed and fired them in retaliation for practicing Islam while at work.

According to Shegerian, federal law and the EEOC are adamant about preventing religious discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, national origin, age and religion. When violations of the law occur, the EEOC may assist with filing a lawsuit against employers.

“Federal law states that an employer must accommodate the religious practices of employees while at work rather than resorting to harassment and retaliatory firings. This is just basic interpretation of laws that have been in place for decades to ensure that all workers are treated fairly,” says Shegerian.

Shegerian went on to address the Hertz allegations noting that employment discrimination against Muslims is on the rise in the U.S.

“People of all faiths are being forced to deal with harassment and retaliation surrounding their religious practices, be it due to religious dress or religious rituals.”

“Despite the increase in harassment, employers need to know that the religious practices of all workers are protected by federal law, and the consequences of violating those laws can be costly,” said Shegerian.

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