Justice Department Sues DC Transit Authority For Religious Discrimination

Washington Business Journal reported yesterday that the Department of Justice has filed a Title VII religious discrimination lawsuit against Washington DC's Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Suing on behalf of Gloria Jones, a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal faith, the complaint alleges that WMATA violated its obligation to accommodate religious beliefs when it refused to hire Jones because her religious views require her to wear long skirts. This is inconsistent with WAMTA's uniform requirements that call for drivers to wear pants. According to the Justice Department's release on the case, the complaint "seeks an order requiring WMATA to reasonably accommodate and provide equal employment opportunities for persons whose religious practices require an accommodation to the uniform policy..., monetary damages and other relief...."