Chipotle Settlement Highlights Protection of Religious Freedom at US Workplaces

Chipotle Settlement Highlights Protection of Religious Freedom at US Workplaces
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Chipotle Services has reached a legal settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), resolving a federal lawsuit over alleged religious harassment of a Muslim employee who wore a hijab. The case has been cited as reinforcing legal protections for religious freedom and personal dignity in the American workplace.

According to the lawsuit, the company agreed to pay $20,000 in compensation and adopt mandatory corrective measures after investigators found that a 19-year-old Muslim employee faced repeated harassment at a Chipotle outlet in Lenexa, Kansas, between July and August 2021. The EEOC said pressure came from an assistant manager.

Case details show the employee was asked between 10 and 15 times to remove her hijab, despite explaining its religious significance. On August 9, 2021, the assistant manager allegedly grabbed the hijab and tried to remove it partially by force, prompting the employee to report the incident to management.

The EEOC said the company’s response was not timely or effective, leading the employee to resign the following day. She later alleged retaliatory actions, including being denied work shifts unless she transferred to another branch, while the accused manager remained employed at that time.

The commission said the conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans religious discrimination and requires reasonable accommodation. Under a three-year consent decree, Chipotle must provide training, revise policies, and strengthen reporting procedures. The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy and dismissed the manager involved.