Raghdaa Ali stood in front of Advance America in Inkster this morning.
It was June of this year when the metro Detroit woman says she walked into the cash advance provider looking to make a transaction.
“She said ‘get out’,” Ali says of the clerk.
Ali claims the clerk pointed to a dress code sign on the door and made her leave, her religious head scarf, violating the no hat policy.
“This is our beliefs and our religious {beliefs}---we cannot take it off. She said if you cannot take it off, we cannot serve you.”
Ali has filed a federal law suit against the store’s corporate parent. The suit claims Michigan does not require the removal of the scarf for state ID or Drivers Licenses, and the store’s contention that the removal is needed for identification purposes is unlawful.
“Lack of {knowledge of} religious culture,” is to blame says Ali.
“This is my country and I have the same right as they have.”
Backing Ali today, was the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee.
“In this instance, we are talking about a religiously protected activity. In this instance, we are talking about mistreatment towards somebody because of the way they look,” says Fatina Abdrabboh, the director of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee.
Ali’s supporters provided 7 Action News with video she shot, which they say captures the store employee in action.
Advance America released the following statement to Action News in response to the lawsuit:
For the safety of our customers and employees, Advance America requires the temporary removal of hoods, hats, sunglasses and other head coverings in order to be admitted into our centers. The safety and security of our customers and employees are our primary responsibilities and our policy ensures that those entering our centers are easily identifiable. The company respects all religious beliefs and serves all customers with dignity and respect. While Advance America understands the concerns expressed by the plaintiff we regret that she may have misinterpreted the intent of our policy, and we intend to vigorously defend the legitimate security purpose of our practice in court.
-Jamie Fulmer, Sr. Vice President-Public Affairs
Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc.