By Kevin McCauley
Fas Mart, the 215-convenience store chain based in Richmond, has apologized to a Muslim woman who was denied service at a Frederickburg’s store because she was would not remove her head scarf.
The check-out clerk told Tralesha Faison, 33, to take off the hijab because security cameras couldn’t see her face. Faison told the clerk she would not comply because of religious reasons.
Faison then contacted the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which brought the matter to the attention of Fas Mart management.
Fas Mart yesterday posted a statement on its website as a formal apology to Faison.
The company says it has a longstanding policy of non-discrimination against all groups.
Fas Mart has now dropped the policy of asking customers to remove “hoodies” and other headgear, a rule that was in place to deter shoplifting.
The clerk, who is suspended pending further investigation, had followed that hoodie rule in asking Faison to take off the hijab.
Fas Mart plans to ask to Council to advise its 1,700 workers “about sensitivity issues in dealing with the Islamic community.”
|