CAIR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR-Chicago Asks Citibank to Apologize for Hijab Incident
Muslim customer allegedly harassed by bank guard because of Islamic scarf
(CHICAGO, IL, 12/8/09) — The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today called on Citibank to apologize to a Muslim woman who was allegedly verbally abused by a security guard at a Gresham, Ill., branch because she wears a religious head scarf, or hijab.
According to the Muslim woman, the guard said it was against Citibank’s policy for customers to transact business wearing head coverings. While another Citibank employee did allow the woman to complete her business, that employee insisted on personally escorting her to the counter and watched over her shoulder as she conducted her transactions.
The guard also reportedly objected to the woman receiving service because it would encourage more of “them” to come into the bank. Throughout the process, which the Muslim customer described as “humiliating,” the guard allegedly made anti-Muslim remarks.
CAIR-Chicago is calling for the apology, a review of Citibank policies related to religious head coverings and for diversity training of bank staff.
“Denying someone the right to enjoy equal treatment in places of public accommodation is illegal and violates our most deeply held values of fairness and respect for others,” said Kevin Vodak, staff attorney at CAIR-Chicago.
“It appears that this security guard was purposefully trying to deter Muslims from patronizing the bank by harassing them. If this is the case, the bank needs to make sure this kind of discriminatory behavior is addressed,” said Christina Abraham, civil rights director at CAIR-Chicago. “It’s illegal and it’s bad business.”
CAIR helped resolve a number of similar incidents nationwide in which Muslim customers wearing hijab have been harassed or denied service because of “no hats” policies being implemented in banks nationwide.
SEE: ‘No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses’
Muslim Woman Denied Service Over Head Scarf to Get Apology
Calif. Muslim Claims Bank Singled Her Out for Head Scarf (Video)
Md. Credit Union Regrets Muslim Woman’s Treatment (Video)
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization offers a booklet called “An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices” to help corporate managers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
The Islamic Workplace 
kingcast
December 9, 2009
Ha!
Citibank is the lowest of the low. They refused to cash a check for a black man who was a holder in due course, but they cash checks for non blacks to the tune of $100M to help money laundering for drug money out of Mexico, and did it again in Russia.
Just ask the General Accounting Office.
They opened a checking account for my Caucasian girlfriend but refused to open one for me (I’m a male, black, non-violent — yeah they tried that route too) and threatened to arrest me so I filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
They initially threatened to provide video to my lawyer but then backpedaled when we said “go ahead” because they know I wasn’t doing anything wrong.
Also I was wearing a hat but that NEVER was mentioned as a reason for denying service, so I will be more than happy to discuss the details of my case and what I know about Citibank with counsel for the woman and I will personally contact CAIR tomorrow.
Read: http://Citibankisracist.blogspot.com
Email: kingjurisdoctor@gmail.com
Peace.
-Christopher King, J.D.