CHIPOTLE HIJAB SETTLEMENT: A VICTORY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND WORKPLACE DIGNITY
April 1, 2025 | Lenexa, Kansas (USA) — Chipotle Services, Inc. has agreed to pay $20,000 and implement corrective measures to resolve a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after a Muslim employee was subjected to religious harassment involving her hijab. The settlement highlights the importance of protecting religious freedom and dignity in the workplace.
What Happened
The incident occurred in July–August 2021 at a Chipotle restaurant in Lenexa, Kansas. A 19-year-old Muslim employee, who wore a hijab as part of her religious practice, was repeatedly pressured by her assistant manager to remove it. Despite explaining its religious significance, she was asked 10–15 times to expose her hair. On August 9, 2021, the manager physically grabbed and partially removed her hijab.
After the employee reported the incident, Chipotle allegedly failed to act promptly. She resigned the following day and later faced retaliation, including denial of shifts unless she transferred locations, while the alleged harasser remained employed.
Legal Protections and Settlement
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, U.S. employers are prohibited from discriminating based on religion and must reasonably accommodate religious practices, including religious dress. The EEOC found sufficient grounds to pursue the case, resulting in a three-year consent decree requiring Chipotle to:
• Pay $20,000 in damages
• Provide mandatory training on religious discrimination
• Strengthen policies and reporting mechanisms
The EEOC emphasized that freedom of religion is a foundational American value and that religious harassment in the workplace is unlawful.
Chipotle’s Response
Chipotle stated that it has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and confirmed that the manager involved was terminated. While the company noted internal corrective actions, no formal public apology addressing the hijab incident has been issued. Freemuslim joins civil-rights advocates in urging Chipotle to publicly acknowledge the harm caused.
Why the Hijab Matters
For many Muslim women, the hijab is a self-chosen expression of faith, dignity, and identity. Research shows that wearing the hijab can foster psychological well-being, empowerment, and a sense of safety and autonomy. Some studies indicate lower depressive symptoms among hijab-wearing women due to stronger religious identity and belonging. At the same time, hijab-wearing women are more frequently targeted for harassment, making legal protections and enforcement especially critical.
Human Rights Framework
• U.S. law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the First Amendment protect freedom of religion and expression.
• International law: Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ICCPR affirm the right to manifest religion, including through clothing.
These protections make clear that religious dress, including the hijab, is a fundamental human right.
Freemuslim Statement
Freemuslim, led by Moujtaba Akhwand is alarmed by this incident and views it as part of a broader pattern of discrimination against Muslim women in workplaces. We applaud the individual who stood up for her rights and the legal system that restored them. We call on Muslim women who experience similar discrimination to report incidents to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). One person’s violated right is a warning for us all. Defending the hijab is defending dignity, freedom, and human rights.
