Assignment:
Reference Book
Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 4th Edition by Joan E. Pynes
A Muslim Woman ' s Right to Wear
a Head Scarf at Work
In 2003, Kimberlie Webb, a practicing Muslim and police officer since 1995, requested permission from her employer, the Philadelphia Police Department, to wear a khimar , a form of head scarf extending to the waist, along with her uniform. The police department denied her request as a violation of the department ' s uniform regulation. Philadelphia Department Directive 78 bars police officers in uniform from wearing religious dress or symbols under all circumstances and makes no medical or secular exceptions.
Webb fi led a complaint for religious discrimination with the EEOC. After she fi led her complaint, she appeared at work wearing a khimar on three separate occasions and was sent home each time. As a result, the commissioner, himself a Muslim, suspended her for thirteen days. Webb then amended her charge in 2004, in which she added an allegation of retaliation. After receiving her right - to- sue letter, Webb fi led her complaint in October 2005 against the City.
The city admitted it did not offer Webb a reasonable accommodation, arguing that it would suffer an undue hardship if it were required
to accommodate her. In June 2007, U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III agreed with the city. He ruled that the " City of Philadelphia has established compelling non - discriminatory reasons for Directive 78 and has demonstrated as a matter of law it would suffer an undue hardship if required to accommodate the wearing [of] a khimar by Ms. Webb while on duty as a police officer. " The court held that the directive standards were designed to maintain religious neutrality and promoted the need for uniformity, but also contributed to cohesiveness, cooperation, and the esprit de corps of the police force.
Questions
1. Do you agree with the city ' s and the judge ' s position? State your reasons.
2. If Webb was not a sworn police officer, do you think there would be a problem accommodating her wearing of the khimar ?
3. Should organizations have policies in place in regard to the wearing of religious dress or symbols? If so, what should they be?
Source: Webb v. City of Philadelphia (2007).