News stories highlighting the growing role of the Muslim faith in America abound. The controversy surrounding the proposal to build a Muslim community center two blocks from “ground zero” in lower Manhattan. Threats by a minister of a tiny Florida congregation to burn the Koran that evoked responses from military commanders and U.S. Supreme Court justices.
It should come as no surprise that the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) appears to once again be moving swiftly to raise awareness about federal workplace protections for Muslims. In 2009, the EEOC witnessed an increase in the number of discrimination claims filed by Muslims—even more than were filed in the year following the 9/11 attacks. After 9/11, the EEOC instituted selected legal actions to raise the profile of federal prohibitions against religious and national origin discrimination and issued guidance to educate practitioners on what is required.
Is there a growing hostility towards Muslims in the American workplace? Have you seen an increase in the number of workplace discrimination claims filed by Muslims? What kinds of Muslim discrimination cases are percolating through the appellate system? What proactive steps are you advising employers and insureds to take to prevent such claims in an increasingly diverse culture?