Reports are saying that Imane Boudlal, age 26, was fitted for a headscarf supplied by Disney earlier this summer. However, she wasn’t told when the garment would be ready and hasn’t been allowed to wear her own until it’s been completed. After wearing her own on Sunday in observation of Ramadan, Boudlal’s supervisors gave her 3 options - remove it, work where customers can’t see it or leave for home.
Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a statement that the company values diversity and has had a policy against discrimination for a long time. They have been working with Boudlal, who has worked at the resort for over 2 years, she noted, explaining that someone who works in front of the public doesn’t typically wear headscarves like that because they aren’t part of the costume. They have tried to accommodate her with a backstage position and other options, but she hasn’t taken any of them, she added.
This isn’t the first time that Disney has been sued by a Muslim woman due to their strict dress code. The same issue came up in 2004, and the case was settled under undisclosed terms the following year. However, the lawyer noted that his client never worked at the park again.
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