Another bogus lawsuit for disney!!!!!

[Bob O]

WDW is suppossed to be an escape from "reality" and that is one of the many reasons i love wdw, it gets me away from what i have to deal with at work on a daily basis.
I have never seen any cm wear any type of religious attire. The cm's are given uniforms for a very specific reason and purpose and as part of the theming you would never see a cm in uniform from one area in the park walking in a different part of the park, it is all part of the show which makes wdw special, and this would be diminshied if cm's are allowed to wear anything they want for religious reasons.
If this is allowed what if the next cm is a devil worshipper and wants to wear something that they state is important to that religion. Once you go down this slippery slope and let cm's wear anything they cliam to be part of there religion how can disney ever enforce uniform standards.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

Originally posted by JenBlaze
Do you people realize how incredibly bigoted and intolerant you sound right now?

I find it incredibly hard to believe that one woman wearing a hijab would ruin your vacation. If that actually is the case, I suggest you take a step back, join reality for a little while, and THEN go back and take a look at Disney World. It's a great place, a fun vacation, and that's all.

This woman has just as much right to wear religious attire as anyone else. If Christians can wear a cross, she should be able to wear her head scarf.

And for those who would be "uncomfortable" seeing someone so obviously Muslim: You need an attitude adjustment, and fast. That woman - that individual woman - has done nothing to you.

To me it has nothing to do with one person wearing a hijab at work. When she was hired she agreed to the Disney dress code. She had no problems going to work for 5 years without it. Once she changed her mind it was her choice. Either continue to work for Disney and not wear it or leave Disney and find a job that doesn't have a dress code. Very simple. I work at a hospital and we have a dress code. If I don't like it I work somewhere else.

Also, since you mentioned the cross, do you know if Disney allows this?

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by Bob O
This happens because muslims dont want to be part of a american culture/society and assilimate into our country like every other immigrant group has. They want to be here but be separate from us and IMPOSE their values on us.

Call me a bigot or ignorant or whatever you want, Bob is absolutely correct in his statement. If people want to come to America so much, they need to realize that it's an established country. Things have been running pretty well for more than 200 years - why all of a sudden is all of this Middle Eastern stuff being shoved down our throats?

If these people look to Americans and say "hey, that looks like a great place to live", why would they want to come over here only to act like they're living in their home country? It simply doesn't make sense.

If I want to move to Iraq, and headscarves are mandatory, well, I better be willing to wear one, or I should stay here.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I read the article and laughed.... here she is wanting to sue her employer becasue she cannot wear her head scarf & an attorney took the case... Fl is suppose to be a right to work state meaningt that you really cannot sue your employer if they terminate you...
...... here is my husband, he has worked for the same company for 17 years...injured on the job 10 years ago, has had 3 surgery's, his last was this past Nov. He was called into work on 4/19 & told that 4/23 would be his last day because they feel he can no longer perform his job duties due to his knee!!! The entire thing was bull...he had the doctor state that he could preform the tasks and now the company (very large newspaper well known all over the USA) is saying that they cannot take him back because he is an insurance risk!!! He cannot sue his employer!!! He has gone to about 7 attorney's and no one will take on the case, all claiming it is a right to work state and you cannot go after your employer.... the only thing he can do is to go after workers comp!!! I don't understand how this woman can sue!!!!!
I am a former Disney Company employee, you have to sign all sorts of things when you join the company...you are WELL aware of what you can and cannot wear...she has been employed by them for sometime & NOW she wants to wear her scarf..... they have offered to place her back stage...but that wasn't good enough!! Tuff on her..... there are many people who would want her job.... she is replaceable..... if she cannot obey the dress code.... then she shouldn't be working there. If this woman actually ends up going thru with this .... I don't know what our country is coming to... it shouldn't even be up for discussion to sue!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sorry--this is long...

You are right Mickeyfan we are right to work...but obviously by this case--it is possible to sue...I think the attorney took it over what is going on right now in our world--he'll gain fame even if he doesn't win a dime on her behalf--could be famous or infamous--but I'm sure his name will be recognized somewhere.

I had some discriminatory issues when I was pregnant. Basically kicked out of my job for an incompetant person to take it. My mother is familiar with labor law as a human resources specialist. Basically--I would have had to go back to work and not get my former job and then go through the department of labor to have them determine if my company broke the law. Lawyers will only take the "legitimate cases" if they are sure they can win. In any case--the lady was fired when I was on maternity leave -- HR had called me on leave b/c apparently she said that she hadn't be provided proper training. I found this out after the fact. I had been to HR several times complaining of my treatment and thought they were following up on me--so I had complained how they gave me a lazy employee to train who never showed up on time and would take breaks after only 10 minutes of working and be gone 2 hours. Surprise Suprise--she was fired while I was on leave and i had my job back when I returned . For all the hassle--I had no case since I got my job back--would have been a she said/she said thing.

As far as your husband--too bad no attorneys would not take the case--he would have to prove that a federal law was broken--if that is possible, then you would have a case. Right to work or not--there are certain things employers are NOT entitled to do and they are posted in every place of employment. Everyone has a right to sue--it is whether or not they will win. Of course my mother just got fired from her job for refusing to lie. Would be lovely if she could sue--but how in the world would you prove something like that!

In any case--grinninghost--I kind of agree with you--but the difference in our country is you can wear what you want when you live here as we do have freedom of expression and religion. Kind of a nuisance at times, yes. Working here though, I agree with everyone--you have to follow the dress code you sign up to when you are employed. I worked at the Vero Beach resort and remembered that you were limited to 1 ring on each hand (I thing a wedding set counted as 1 ring), no bracelets and no necklaces as they could get caught on things (I was in housekeeping) and 1 pair of earrings. Does this mean I could have sued b/c I had double-pierced ears .

by the way--the driver's license lady did lose her case and had to have a full face picture.

 

[johare]

Originally posted by JenBlaze
Do you people realize how incredibly bigoted and intolerant you sound right now?

I find it incredibly hard to believe that one woman wearing a hijab would ruin your vacation. If that actually is the case, I suggest you take a step back, join reality for a little while, and THEN go back and take a look at Disney World. It's a great place, a fun vacation, and that's all.

This woman has just as much right to wear religious attire as anyone else. If Christians can wear a cross, she should be able to wear her head scarf.

And for those who would be "uncomfortable" seeing someone so obviously Muslim: You need an attitude adjustment, and fast. That woman - that individual woman - has done nothing to you.

Disney is 100% within it's rights to tell CM's what is and isn't appropriate for them to wear when they are 'on stage'. It doesn't matter if it's body piercing, facial hair, heavy makeup, a yarmulke, a cross or this woman's ridiculous head scarf. It's their business and they make the rules. If they let this go, what's next? What if someone decides that a burka is proper wear due to their religious beliefs? Disney tried to accomodate this woman and offer her a job backstage, which she refused. She's obviously just out for attention or money.

You might think people need an attitude adjustment, and maybe you're even open minded enough that a black Snow White or Sleeping Beauty in a burka wouldn't bother you, but others, including me don't agree. If I see a CM wearing a muslim headscarf, I'll make it a point to file a complaint with guest services.

 

[outstandinfarmer]

This woman has just as much right to wear religious attire as anyone else. If Christians can wear a cross, she should be able to wear her head scarf.

Christians aren't carrying a giant cross on their backs or sprouting wings from their backs. That would be a distraction just like the hijab. It is a tiny cross that can be put under their clothing where noone can see. If she would like to put her hijab under her clothing, then do so. There is a dress code and there is nothing more to it. If she can wear that, then I want to wear a tube top to work. I don't like being covered due to health reasons. I overheat. I understand that it is a part of her religion, but if they are trying to accomodate her and she agreed to the dress code then she should dress appropriately. Same as peircings or tatoos.

 

[rwodonnell]

Originally posted by manning
It's too bad we don't have the system they have in Europe. If you sue there you better be sure you have a winable case. If the plaintiff loses the case they have to pay the defendants court costs.

While I agree with you in spirit, it would seem to me that the European system pretty much denies people of lower income levels the ability to bring a suit that is a close call. First, they would have enough trouble paying their own attorney (who would likely work for a cut, so perhaps that's not an issue) but would also have to risk paying the court costs, which could be high should the defense go out and bring in a huge highly paid team. It just doesn't seem like the right solution to me.

 

[Bob O]

Manning has the right solution!!!
With the current system it is way too easy to sue any company with money with the hope they will throw a few dollars your way just to get rid of you. It costs little to sue a company now a days with the glut of ambulance chasing lawyers in our country.

 

[rwodonnell]

Originally posted by Bob O
[Manning has the right solution!!!
With the current system it is way too easy to sue any company with money with the hope they will throw a few dollars your way just to get rid of you. It costs little to sue a company now a days with the glut of ambulance chasing lawyers in our country.

A good counterpoint, and I do agree that there is a problem with frivolous lawsuits. I am just worried that nobody could afford to take the chance on a lawsuit even when they were wronged. After all, if the loser pays court costs, why not run them up if you're a rich defendent (since it gives you a better chance to win, in theory)?

 

[johare]

Originally posted by rwodonnell
A good counterpoint, and I do agree that there is a problem with frivolous lawsuits. I am just worried that nobody could afford to take the chance on a lawsuit even when they were wronged. After all, if the loser pays court costs, why not run them up if you're a rich defendent (since it gives you a better chance to win, in theory)?

I think it should be up to the judge to recognize and throw out frivolous lawsuits before they get to the point of running up big court costs. This case seems clear. Woman didn't wear scarf when she was hired, later decided that she would start wearing it, Disney made every attempt to accodmodate her, but it wasn't good enough. Case dismissed!

 

[April76]

Originally posted by JenBlaze
Do you people realize how incredibly bigoted and intolerant you sound right now?

I think people have raised valid points. The responses I've read are opinions mostly based on "Disney experience".

Originally posted by JenBlaze
I find it incredibly hard to believe that one woman wearing a hijab would ruin your vacation. If that actually is the case, I suggest you take a step back, join reality for a little while, and THEN go back and take a look at Disney World. It's a great place, a fun vacation, and that's all.

"One woman" today.... two tomorrow.... etc., etc., etc.,.....

Originally posted by JenBlaze
This woman has just as much right to wear religious attire as anyone else. If Christians can wear a cross, she should be able to wear her head scarf.

Disney costume guidelines don't permit necklaces, etc. from being seen while on stage. Guidelines are very specific regarding earrings, rings, piercings, tattos, and grooming standards for ALL castmembers.

Originally posted by JenBlaze
And for those who would be "uncomfortable" seeing someone so obviously Muslim: You need an attitude adjustment, and fast. That woman - that individual woman - has done nothing to you.

I can't say I've ever seen a "standard" Disney costume.... everything is specific to the area the person works in..... if an article of personal clothing conflicts with the "costume" of that job; then it detracts from guests' Disney experiences..... it has nothing to do with being "uncomfortable about seeing someone so obviously Muslim".


Just my two cents.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by WDWisTheBest
It would detract from my visit also. Either she can conform to the job requirements or get another job.

ITA. She knew the policy when she was hired, and performed her job for months without the headscarf. It was only when she returned after maternity leave that she began wearing the scarf.

And the thing is, Disney OFFERED her another job, in a "backstage" area, where she could wear her headscarf and be out of a guest contact area. She declined. If Disney had fired her without even an attempt to find something else for her, that would be one thing. But they tried to accommodate, and are now being sued.

 

[grinningghost]

I hope this is straying off-topic too much, but I really wonder if any of this would have materialized back when Walt was first opening Disneyland.

Things were much easier back then. I'll bet there wasn't much moaning and groaning about proper uniform requirements. People were probably just happy to be working for Disney and accepted the uniform without question.

Why oh why must people make issues out of non-issues?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Why oh why must people make issues out of non-issues?

I think it boils down to that people think they are "entitled" to certain things when they aren't.

She thinks she is "entitled" to visibly portray her religion while on the job--the constitution doesn't provide for that. It just provides that you cannot descriminate based on religion. She was not terminated for being Muslim--she just think she was. She thinks that b/c of her religion, she is entitled to wear what she wants..that is not the case.

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by Lisa loves Pooh
I think it boils down to that people think they are "entitled" to certain things when they aren't.

She thinks she is "entitled" to visibly portray her religion while on the job--the constitution doesn't provide for that. It just provides that you cannot descriminate based on religion. She was not terminated for being Muslim--she just think she was. She thinks that b/c of her religion, she is entitled to wear what she wants..that is not the case.

I think you said it perfectly. There is a time and a place for everything. Religion and work don't mix - unless you happen to be a priest or something.

 

[PKS44]

to those who think being Muslim or being a religious Muslim is somehow not being American - I cannot disagree more strongly --Your notion that being an American or part of this country means adopting the majority religion or culture is not just wrong it is bad for our country...we thrive not despite our diversity--but because of it--we succeed because we don't care what you do with your religious or cultural ideas --if you can do what you do WITHOUT hurting anyone else and do it successfully there is a place for you in this country..DIVERSITY expands the marketplace and opportunity for ALL.....the real value in America is the value we have placed on LIBERTY....that includes Disney's liberty to set a dress code and hire and fire as they see fit to succeed....so I agree this suit is ridiculous but I think those saying that Muslims or anybody else is shoving their cultyre down our throat or refusing to assimilate are showing a bigoted naivete that makes American look bad...let freedom ring...

Paul

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by outstandinfarmer
It is a tiny cross that can be put under their clothing where noone can see.

And, if the cross can't be put under clothing, it can't e worn. I was a lifeguard and a necklace would be visible with a bathing suit, obviously. So I couldn't wear one.

When I could not meet the uniform guidelines due to an injury, I was moved to an area with low guest interaction.

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by PKS44
so I agree this suit is ridiculous but I think those saying that Muslims or anybody else is shoving their cultyre down our throat or refusing to assimilate are showing a bigoted naivete that makes American look bad

I would so love to see it your way, but I can't. Religion should be a private thing. I have no problem with someone practicing whatever religion they want, be it Islam or devil worship, just practice it in the right place and the right time.

 

[JenBlaze]

Originally posted by grinningghost
Call me a bigot or ignorant or whatever you want, Bob is absolutely correct in his statement. If people want to come to America so much, they need to realize that it's an established country. Things have been running pretty well for more than 200 years - why all of a sudden is all of this Middle Eastern stuff being shoved down our throats?

I suggest that you and Bob go Google "Ellis Island".

American History 101, dear: This 200+ year old country - a baby compared to most countries - was BUILT by immigrants. We are not like other nations, who have 2000 or more years of history behind them. America is a mix of every nationality and religion under the sun. We were founded with the idea that America could be a place where all those people could celebrate their individual beliefs without being persecuted for them.

Your level of intolerance just stuns me. It's attitudes like yours that make people who are not Christian and/or white afraid for their personal safety and civil rights.