Justice Department Sues Texas Corrections Agency for Alleged Religious

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In a legal showdown, the Justice Department has taken the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to court for allegedly forcing an employee to choose between her job and her religious beliefs. According to a statement released by the Justice Department, the complaint was filed after TDCJ denied the request of Franches Spears, a non-uniformed clerk, to wear a head covering as part of her Ifa faith.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Civil Rights Division made a statement indicating that, "Employers cannot require employees to forfeit their religious beliefs or improperly question the sincerity of those beliefs." The lawsuit claims that despite TDCJ allowing head coverings of a non-religious nature, Spears' request was refused, leading to an unfair suspension and ultimately, her termination.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, argues that the TDCJ's action violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This federal law clearly prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, TDCJ being the one who, without pay, indefinitely suspended Spears when she wouldn't remove her head covering.

U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas weighed in, stating, "Religious discrimination in the workplace will not be tolerated in our district, as per the Justice Department. TDCJ, like any other employer, must reasonably accommodate employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964." The department not only aims to amend policies at TDCJ to allow lawful religious accommodations but also to seek compensation for Spears for the lost wages and damages incurred.

For those experiencing similar workplace issues, reports of religious discrimination or retaliation can be directed to the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office or state and local fair employment practices agencies. The Justice Department emphasizes that vigorous enforcement of Title VII remains a top priority for their Civil Rights Division. Details on the case are being managed by Trial Attorneys Vendarryl Jenkins and Cheyenne Chambers of the Civil Rights Division's Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Karpati for the Southern District of Texas.