Issues Apology; Reiterates Religious Accommodation Policy Washington, DC, May 16, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) successfully resolved the issue of a Sikh American gentleman who was disallowed from wearing his daastar – or turban — while on the job working as a pizza delivery driver for a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Maryland. Jaswant Singh was hired in 2005 as a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver. Shortly after the start of his employment, he was asked to remove his turban and wear a Domino’s-issued baseball cap. According to the owner of Domino’s Pizza Franchise #4673 in Laurel, Maryland, the directive to Mr. Singh to remove his turban arose out of concerns that Mr. Singh’s hair could fall on the pizza while delivering pizza. Determined not be humiliated and compromise on his religious rights, Mr. Singh contacted SALDEF to address this discriminatory practice and seek recourse on his behalf. In a letter addressed to the General Counsel of Domino’s Pizza, Inc, SALDEF noted that, “We are surprised that a Domino’s manager would take the untenable position that a Domino’s-issued baseball cap, which can easily be taken on and off, would provide more “protection” against food contamination in both preparing and delivering a pizza to a customer than a turban, which cannot be easily taken on and off. It should be apparent that there can be no bona fide occupational requirement justifying Domino’s interference with Mr. Singh’s religious expression as described above.” In a letter to Mr. Singh, Domino’s Pizza General Counsel, Elisa D. Garcia stated: “I apologize for the error made by the GM of store #4673 in asking you to remove your religious turban in the work place. I am pleased that this matter was brought to our attention and that you are able to do your job in a manner that is harmonious with your religious beliefs.” Responding to SALDEF, Ms. Garcia wrote: “Our store manager has been put on notice that [Domino’s] policies accommodate religious expression and [he] is being trained in this area. Domino’s teaches, as part of its Franchise Development program, all franchises about discrimination laws, EEO matters and religious accommodations.” SALDEF thanks Mr. Singh for demonstrating courage of faith and conviction in standing up for his religious rights and not compromising his Sikh identity. SALDEF also thanks Domino’s Pizza for recognizing the Sikh religious turban and congratulates them in reiterating their commitment to religious accommodation in the workplace. If you or anyone else you know has been discriminated in the workplace or while seeking employment, please contact SALDEF immediately at 202-393-2700 or info@saldef.org.
