No, CAIR is not a terrorist organization. The point about "Mormon underwear" is also dubious -- I don't think a devout Muslim, Mormon or anyone else would consider employment at Hooters.

Remember that in this case, according to her representatives, this woman worked in the stockroom of the clothing outlet -- she didn't deal with the public.

What I don't understand is, didn't they know she was wearing a hijab before they hired her? Did she mis-represent herself during the hiring process by not wearing a hijab and once she landed the job did she show up wearing the headgear?

She didn't know what A&F stands for as a company? They used to sell thongs for kids! And not the flip flop thongs either!

If she wasn't dealing with the public, I don't see why her headscarf should matter.

Come on, A&F, not everyone can be an anorexic preppy kid with too much money on their hands.

If she was working in the backroom which is NOT out in the public why was she wearing the (To be worn out in public ) scarf?????

Even if she was dealing with the public, there is nothing wrong with wearing a headscarf.

Even if she was working in public...what's the big deal? Are we as Americans so terrified by a simple piece of fabric. If so, how tragic are we.

There are rules at every work place. Please let me be on the jury. She won't get a dime.

Never understood why women have to cover their head with a cloth in Muslim religion and in the Vatican too while an uncovered male head is OK . Is it the long hair or is it subjugation of women that is the issue? My money is on the latter.
A woman is the goddess and can be celebrated as the divine manifestation of the female aspect of Allah or Jehova or that which is beyond form and formlessness. No piece of cloth can cover that up.

Both men and women are required to dress and conduct themselves in a manner that befits their dignity and is not the cause of temptation for others. Hair is considered part of a woman’s physical attractiveness. Therefore, covering of hair for the woman is considered essential to modesty of her attire, even in the Bible. This is the reason that nuns and orthodox Jewish women also cover their hair.

It is the outer dress of Muslim women which includes the head covering that is usually referred to as hijab. Hijab is not merely a covering dress, but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. The headscarf is an outer manifestation of an inner commitment to worshipping Allah – it symbolizes a commitment to piety. Self or inner morality is what gives meaning to the external scarf.

In the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars, a woman should cover everything except her face and hands. The face veil however, is worn by some Muslim women, who either consider it a requirement, or wish to adhere to a higher level of modesty.

Hijab – A liberation

In a society in which women’s beauty has been commoditized, and where women often end up associating their self-worth with their looks, the hijab and its concomitant de-emphasis of physical beauty can be tremendously liberating. Muslim women wear the hijab out of obedience to God, while recognizing the immense wisdom behind His commandment

Cristina Pendleton, I agree that many of the people commenting here are uninformed/unenlightened. However disparaging women in tight tank tops showing off their "goodies"--they're called breasts-- is not the answer either. Here's something thought-provoking: http://jezebel.com/5659357/does-niqabitch-enrich-the-burqa-ban-debate

Alexander, please do some research on the internet before you say that someone does it out of fear from being killed from their own family, otherwise, you sound extremely ignorant.

She worked there and wore the scarf for several months before they fired her. Why did it take them so long?

Perhaps they'd forgotten to insert new rules about scarves and they needed that time to write them?

Company policy should not be subjected to a religious criteria, nor should law. All religion is superstition and has NO place in determining law, policy, or anything else not directly related to the practice of their particular magic.

I am American (NJ) currently living in singapore. There is quite a large Muslim population here and may I say that the young female muslims can be quite fashionable. Yes they wear their headscarves, cover their arms and legs but I have seen many that look down right stylish.

No one should be discriminated against because of their religion. I am much more of an atheist and I support this girl. If A&F asked someone to remove their cross on their neck, Christians would have a fit. If you are going to be religiously intolerant than it has to be across the board.

In France, girls are not allowed to wear their headscarves to school, no one can wear a cross, purity ring, or anything religious in ANY WAY!

for those posting - put the shoe on the other foot and see if it fits.

I'm shocked at the intolerance of so many responses to this story. First of all, one can like fashion and still wear a hijab. Second, the great thing about America is that we respect individuals, as well as religions -- not just OUR religion, or just individuals who are just like US. If we discriminate against a Muslim woman who wants to live in the American mainstream, we should then not be surprised if the only Muslims we meet are angry or separatists. Finally, Abercrombie is well known for its tin ear: Does anyone else remember the "Wong Brothers Laundry: Two Wongs Can Make It White" T-shirts?

@Maureen: She would only be "forcing her choices on everyone else" if her lawsuit sought to have everyone at Abercrombie wear hijab. And to my knowledge, there is no rule at Macy's against an employee covering her hair.

Nhu Pham :) I should add I do agree with you and Barbara Wilcox. The hijab can be incredibly fashionable, stylish, and beautiful. And wearing one doesn't mean one doesn't like fashion!

She can wear her hijab when goes to pray on her prayer rug-otherwise, the company is perfectly legal in telling their employees can and cannot wear. These people, Muslims, need to get over themselves. Also, CAIR has sponsored Hamas, which is a terrorist organization.

This Muslim can wear he hijab outside of her employment. Otherwise, her employer has every right to tell her what not to wear if it reflects a negative image on the business. By the way CAIR is in bed with HAMAS, which is a terrorist organization. The Muslims in this Country need to assimilate, or leave

I think its beyond ridiculous that a company that allows their employees to dress in clothing that leaves little to the imagination, would have a problem with someone wearing a headscarf. What’s the big deal? Who cares if she was wearing a headscarf? Not to mention that she wore it to her interview, and they knew when they hired her that she was a Muslim.

Don't compare Muslim men with Priests. Apples and oranges!

Try comparing Allah to Christ (or other religious leaders), who didn't marry a child, also, did that child have any say in the matter! Still happening in the Muslim religion! Also, any of the Priests who did the molesting, should be in prison.

Child brides are not because of religion, they are a result of customes.

What burns me the most are the comments assume there is only ONE way to be Muslim, the negative, misogynistic way where women are chattel and men have harems. Wake up people!! There are as many different ways to practice Islam as there is Christianity and Judism. There are several more orthodox brands of Christianity that require women to cover their hair, for example Minonite [sic] women don't cut their hair and wear it tucked away in a cap pinned to the hair - they don't go out in public and wear much more restrictive dress than required of many Muslim women.

Religion is NOT one size fits all, and in America we are supposed to respect everyone's religion - and have been legally barred from discriminating hiring practices for decades if not longer. Hollister is going to get their @sses handed to them court, as they should.

You seem to want to skip over the things you don't want to address!
Like multiple wives are allowed, many women forced to wear the veils against their wishes, not being able to drive. If the Muslim men can deny "their" women their rights, why do you say an employer cannot enforce simple work rules and dress codes. Try wearing a nun's outfit to work at most places and claim it's your right.!
You also seem to speak fast and loose with the stated facts. I didn't see it mentioned in the above article, that she wore a scarf to her interview, and that they knew she was a Muslim when they hired her.

As far as your statement----"And your comments concerning Muslims is a testament to your ignorance."
Who is really ignorant and just guesses what she wore for her interview and told her future employer?
Or were you there?

* oops meant to say Minonite women do not go out in public with their hair exposed. (for the same biblical traditions as Muslim women)

Also, did you know that Mohammed recognized Jesus as a prophet of God?

On the topic of the Muslim religion, how did she get to work? Did she drive? If not, would she sue her husband for not letting her drive? Why should she sue a place that has rules when she is obviously bound to a religion with many restrictions? BTW, if she was not in the public eye, she should be allowed to work there. But, we may not be getting the entire story. I find it hard to believe she wore her hijab to the interview and A&F is just now having an issue. Unless she did not wear it until now and is purposely making an issue to incite public sentiment.

Are all A&F employees forbidden to wear any and all religious symbols? Christians can't wear crosses, Jews can't wear Stars of David, and so on?

If A&F is worried about their image, this case isn't doing them any good.

If your religion requires you to wear some garb you get a job were that garb fits the image of the company. You don't get the job and then insist on changing the image of the company. CAIR has already sued Abercrombie & Fitch on this issue for tens of millions of dollars (check CAIR'S website), and it has sued Disney as well, insisting on making accommodations for a female working with the public in a modified uniform. She refused to work in a job behind the scenes, said it would be humiliating. The objective by CAIR seems to be to aggressively interject Islam into "American culture" under the threat of expensive lawsuits.

Have you ever heard of the Amish suing A & F so they can wear their traditional dresses and head coverings or Orthodox Jews or any other religious group doing this? Or suing Target so they don't have to handle non-halal meat? No. If the place of employment has a culture contrary to their beliefs they simply don't work there. So why do Muslims expect the businesses to change their dress codes?

I just made my comment: I am Mattie.

i live in texas, went to renew my driver license i had on a hat and tinted glasses, i was told to take them off. two ladies in front of me were covered from head to toe i said what about those two. the clerk said we are not allowed to ask them to remove anything, yes they treat women different here in texas.

90% of these comments are shooting in the dark. Based on perception. Based on bias. Based on a warped and ill-conceived notion of "rules". We don't know what happened. We don't know if she wore the headscarf during the interview. We don't know if Abercrombie changed their mind after agreeing to hire her with the headscarf. WE DON"T KNOW. And to be honest, it's not our business. We don't work at Abercrombie. We're not members of her family. We don't know. Especially you conservatives and Republicans. You never care about the laws or rules when people are pulled over, people are arrested, people are homeless, etc. You have nothing to say when right-wing politicians or religious figures are charged or accused of wrongdoing or corruption. You're as quiet as a mouse. Nothing. You go after the left. You go after non-whites. You go after muslims. You go after radicals. You go after outcasts and the downtrodden. The "facts" only matter when it's people that you are against or that you disagree with. That's the only time the "rules" need to be followed.

This is America! When the Muslims come to this country........they should abide by our rules. Employers are getting a bad rap from people like this.......imposing their beliefs on them and expecting everyone to bow down to them because of religious belief! Well the time has come to STOP doing this and follow the rules of the land and the employer. They would be breaking the law if they were to ask these people if they are Muslim when they interview them......so they hire in good faith and then get sued for insisting the new employee follow the rules like everyone else. These groups that support these people should be banned. This is just wrong!!

When I was a young boy I lived near a catholic school where nuns covered their heads. Nothing was said. Now I'm older and there is a lot being said about head coverings. what's the difference. Go figure.

If the policy was in place when she accepted the job and she was made aware of it during the hiring process, there's no problem. She didn't follow the rules she agreed to when she accepted the job. I have a strong feeling this is the case. I work for a school system, if any school system anywhere in the world is sued for anything down to a paper cut, we have a "policy" in place before the week is out. I'm sure a company as large as A & F has the same type of legal team. They would be stupid no too,

This is simply a mater of what was defined for the woman when she was hired. If she came to the interview with a headscarf, was not advised that she could not wear it, and wore it every single day, then she shouldn't have been fired for it.

If on the other had, the woman didn't wear it to the interview, or wore it intermittently (as I have seen people of many religions do when practicing the edicts of their faith, Muslim included) and the policy was clear, but was delayed in enforcement, then the woman should be required to follow policy just like everyone else. Not wearing it all of the time means that she doesn't believe it to be a requirement unless it serves her needs. The article doesn't give enough information to make that determination.

The article doesn't seem to support the any speculation that she may have wore a scarf "intermittently." According to the press release cited, she worked "for several months in 2009-10 while wearing a hijab" and was later "terminated" for "after refusing to remove her scarf." To me, it seems pretty logical to understand that to mean that the hijab/scarf was worn consistently during that period--any other understanding would seem quite speculative and, quite honestly, groundless. It seems it was the case that an employee who's choice of attire was respected by employers for "several months" was suddenly fired for it.

Also, A&F does have a little bit of a history with discrimination--especially at a executive/marketing level. Check out this story about an employee who worked at A&F for a while without any problem but then got fired for they way she looked as well. The parallels are striking...

//Liu says she was fired after corporate officials visited the store, and, according to her, didn't like what they saw: "A corporate official had pointed to an Abercrombie poster and told our management at our store, 'You need to have more staff that looks like this.' And it was a white Caucasian male on that poster."//

(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/05/60minutes/main587099.shtml#ixzz1QLcpaDUJ)

Don't believe that actually happened? A&F believed it. They paid $40 million to settle the case.

Even the United States of America allows a head scarf to be worn for passport photos (with a letter by the person stating it's for religious reasons).

What?! Good Lord, What country did I wake up in? I have read explanations, some intelligent points, some dung slinging prattle (BTW smell your hands and note the hill of cow pies your standing in -- pardon me, but I had to break it down that way -- it is what it T-I-is). Point, if this woman is a devote Muslim, she could have been consistent in her attire from the outset -- interview to confrontation. Counter point -- yes, A&F has the right to convey their dress code. Point -- if A&F established their dress code from the outset, then we wouldn’t be having this discussion. Therefore, they had no problem with her attire, because she was hired and was working with it on. In truth, the crucible of this drama probably falls on the afterthought phobias of a few in a coffee clutch.

The problem seems to be that, like several of you anal retentive pseudo intellectuals, freedom, as defined by the US Constitution, only relates to your own egotistical parameters of divine providence. For example, as you demonstrated “freedom of speech,” that is as long as it agrees with your opinion. This is the greatest country in the world. For many transplanted women, Muslim or otherwise especially. However, even here women are still objectified and devalued as soon as they get older than 30yrs.

I don’t agree with everyone’s practices. However, I have learned to "tolerate" them as long as it doesn't over step reasonable social morays – that are hinged upon biblical commandments. (FYI --such as “thou shalt not steal,” “thou shalt not committee adultery”… etc.) A scarf is just a grain of sand compared to the onslaught of envelope pushers of the morally bankrupt. I defend this woman's right to wear her religious clothing, just like I defend the right of some of you to bray every time you open your mouth. It is amazing to me how some people get on their soap box about civil liberties one minute, buy lipstick for their five year-olds the next, then gasp in horror as 20-20 does an expose on sexually active tweens.

You ought to be glad that someone is upholding modesty in their household. Also remember, In the Unites States Muslim women have the choice to wear their hijab – or not. Jewish men have the choice to wear a yarmulke – or not. We all have a choice. Even God gives us a choice to receive Him -- or not. Just like Rlivingston and Daniel M have the choice to believe in God – or not, or spend eternity in hell—or not. Just like I have the right to tell them, it is written:

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good “ ( Psalm 14:1)

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” (Proverbs 18:2)

“The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23)

Shalom Alaikum! Baruch haba B’shem Adonai Yeshua ha Mashach (Pleease forgive any misspelling)

www.bible.com

I think that these perverts needs to stop their attacks against what left of religious women from all Religions.
Are they going also to force Jewish women to remove their wigs or tell them like in France that their skirts are too long. The logic is that showing skin in the name of sex is something new to this world. My son just spent about $150 at this store and it's going to be the last time inshallah.

What I find appalling is the lack of basic knowledge regarding federal law. Does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ring any bells? Abercrombie & Fitch better pull out their bestest ever cracker-jack legal team to fight this because it's going to hit the fan for them.

Some of these comments reflect not only a disgusting level of bigotry but just outright stupidity and ignorance, as in this: 'nuns don't work in establishments because they have jobs with the church.' That's not how it is any longer and hasn't been for decades. 'This is America' - thanks for the update. My America is pretty full of just about every color, creed, and ethnic group around; a beautiful hodge-podge of people. Ad nauseum....

http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html

Even God gives us a choice to receive Him -- or not. Just like Rlivingston and Daniel M have the choice to believe in God – or not, or spend eternity in hell—or not. Just like I have the right to tell them, it is written: Watch Completed Video- http://wp.me/1sMVj

This woman has no valid lawsuit.

She was handed a company policy manual when she was employed.
If she failed to read it, her mistake. If she read it and felt they would have to bend the company dress code to accommodate her, her mistake.

She KNEW, when she hired in, what the dress code was. She KNEW it went against her religious beliefs. She should NEVER have taken the job.

Why did SHE FAIL to ask if wearing her headscarf was allowed in the beginning?

Just another attempt to force companies to bend to the will of the Muslims. Just another FRIVOLOUS lawsuit. I applaud A&F for standing their ground!

No company should be FORCED to change, or accommodate, their dress code for the few. Simple as that.

What's funny is that in our American culture of showing off "goodies" and wearing bikinis to the beach doesn't cause guys to go crazy. Yet in a survey 98% of foreign women living in Egypt and 80% of Egyptian women reported being sexually harassed... sounds like head coverings aren't helping the problem. I've seen people post about women not being able to drive, but the fact that muslim soldiers in Libya, Egypt and Syria are raping and killing women doesn't help islam in the publics eyes either... or the "virginity tests" I'm proud to be an American and a Christian... but I still love you all... there are good muslims out there, but I've found it is mainly the ones that were born muslim and not those that actually practice regularly... living in the middle east I've found that those are the ones that practice Taqiyya and lie steal and cheat there way through life... then go to mecca wearing white

http://www.greenprophet.com/2011/05/women-rights-muslims-harassmap/ the link to the statistics and considering i live in the middle east I know for a fact that it is true because I witness it everyday... but you can't say anything because, for example, in Iran a woman has to bring 3 men that will confirm they say the act of sexual harassment happen or she is imprisoned... way to give power to women islam!

oh and the women in skinny jeans and tight shirts with a pound of makeup on aren't any more modest than my friend in the states just because they cover their hair, but you can keep thinking that if you want

What exactly is the Abercrombie & Fitch look?

"It's dominated by Caucasian, football-looking, blonde-hair, blue-eyed males; skinny, tall," says Lu. "You don't see any African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and that's the image that they're portraying and that they're looking for."

Liu says she was fired after corporate officials visited the store, and, according to her, didn't like what they saw: "A corporate official had pointed to an Abercrombie poster and told our management at our store, 'You need to have more staff that looks like this.' And it was a white Caucasian male on that poster."

Read more:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/05/60minutes/main587099.shtml#ixzz1QLcpaDUJ

I guess A&F will be having a sale on their swastika patched preppy jackets and their white sheet hoodies. This is so funny to me -- the idea off the image of the "all American" being of the Aryan race. FYI the look of the true "all American" is brown-skinned NATIVE which includes those people we call Mexicans -- you know -- the ones who keep crossing the border to their ancestral homelands -- that is now known as the western part of the United States!

Some of you need to stop watching the re-runs of "Friends" and understand that people of color are not the minorities on this planet. They are the majority. Europeans are historically the original terrorists and subjugators using weapons of mass destruction. I’m not trying to insight a race riot. I’m simple encouraging you to know your history before you assume a posture of knowledgeable authority about what is the image of Americans.

Since A and F is a company dealing with interstate commerce,
it is covered by the US Civil Rights Act which requires employer
to make reasonable accomodations. Allowing an employee to
wear a head covering is a reasonable accomodation. A and F
should be required to follow federal law.

Abercrombie and Fitch is obviously a company run by dried-up control freaks, and anyone with any sense would never shop there.

Did the EEEVIL head scarf HURT the poor babies' widdle feelings?

Hey, A & F - if your employees are doing their jobs, leave them the hell alone, you oppressive blots on the American landscape.

And then they wonder why we need unions.

hmmm...so i work in a suit and tie office....if i get fired for wearing shorts can i sue or do i have to have "god" on my side to do so. freedom of religion does NOT mean that the religious have rights and privileges that the rest of society do not enjoy

This is exactly the problem with this country. This woman should go back to whatever country she came from if she insists on not complying with OUR culture. Why should A and F change their rules to accomodate HER????

I should start my own religion which calls for sleeping late every day and not needing to be at work on time. My employer wants to fire me? I'll sue!!

I have a few questions about this article. I am from Australia and so I am not certain of the laws within the US but I am very curious about the 'look policy.' A dress code would be one thing, all work places have them. But does a 'look policy' mean all employees have to stick to a certain 'look?' Does this mean that they hire and fire on on the grounds of how attractive someone is? Surely something like that is not legal?
As for these comments blasting the Islamic religion. I understand that some Muslims are very strict in their ways but this can be the case in ALL religions. I am a catholic and I know many catholics that are far more extreme than I. I would not want to be judged by outsiders who think I am something which I am not. I am sure everyone feels this way. Wouldnt it be the same for Islamic people?
Finally, why would the employers be so slack on their staff and their 'look policy' and suddenly just change their minds? Were they being racist or was it a complete overhall? Maybe their was new management that was sick of all the staff not following the rules. Would it be fair to say that if she were disciplined more harshly than the other staff that she absolutely has a case?

The links: A&F lawsuit http://ow.ly/5qA0R

Federal law: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html

@Maryland 7 can you please describe what "our" culture is please? This is America, a cultural melting pot, we don't really have a culture. American culture comes from many different cultures, unless of course you were referring to a white racist culture of feeling entitled to a country that never belonged to you. A country that was stolen from a nation of people that has been marginalized. What is our culture??? I don't think you will or can actually answer this question. In almost positive you'll skirt the question and rant about something else. But if you get around to answering the question I'd like an answer to how a country built on immigration has on culture. PS this isn't your country it's our country meaning everyone that wad born here, white, black, yellow, red, Jew, christian, Muslim, etc

Please excise my typos and brevity as I am on my handheld device

Learn to practice tolerance instead of hate. But those that hate don't see it as hate, and if you say anything like " this is our country" or "they can go back to where they came from" or " our culture" just know that you are an ignorant racist

I think the point here is not about whether or not women SHOULD wear head scarves it's about FREEDOM, something that "our country" was supposedly founded on. There's a reason why freedom of religion and speech is the FIRST amendment! Also, I consider myself a feminist on many levels and I am not a Muslim, BUT, I believe that women should have the choice to practice whatever religion they choose and wear what ever they choose, whether it be a head scarf or a revealing tank top. And by the way it is a choice, at least it is in "our culture". Perhaps it's not a choice in the cultures of extremists but this is not about extremists, it's about freedom. Let the girl have her freedom and let her wear whatever she wants.

For those of you claiming Islam oppresses women, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and they've had a woman president. How many women presidents has the US had? What's that? I, I can't hear you... speak up... how many?? Seriously people, get educated about Islam, women, and American law. Telling Americans to "go back where they came from" is racist. I want to live in America, not AMURRICA!