DEARBORN Mich. Two Muslim women reportedly are suing McDonald’s and a franchisee for discrimination after a unit here allegedly refused to hire them because they wore traditional Islamic headscarves.
The franchisee, Finley Management Inc., said it had not received an official notice of a lawsuit being filed against it. But, acknowledging that it was aware of the allegations, the company said it strictly prohibits any form of discrimination. "We would caution anyone from jumping to conclusions without having all the facts," the company said in a statement. It declined to comment further.
According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, the two women applied for jobs but were told by the manager of the restaurant that they couldn't work there unless they removed their scarves.
The report said that the restaurant where the women applied is in an area with a strong Muslim community and is one of few McDonald's units that offer halal Chicken McNuggets, or a version that meets Islamic dietary laws.
The suit was reportedly filed in Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit. The Free Press said the store manager was also listed as a defendant.
