Muslim flight attendant claims refusing to sell alcohol led to suspension

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/sep/07/muslim-flight-attendant-suspending-refusing-sell-alcohol

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A Muslim flight attendant says she was suspended by ExpressJet because of her refusal to serve alcohol, due to her religious beliefs. 

Related: 'No Diet Coke for you': Islamophobia claim prompts United Airlines boycott

Charee Stanley, 40, filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Detroit last week. 

Her attorney said the Atlanta-based airline initially agreed to a religious accommodation, telling her another flight attendant could handle passenger requests for alcohol. 

However, the attorney said Stanley was put on a 12-month unpaid leave last month after another attendant complained. 

Lena Masri, an attorney with the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the employee’s complaint against Stanley had “Islamophobic” overtones, as it noted she carried a book with “foreign writings” and wore a head scarf. 

ExpressJet issued a statement saying the airline values diversity but could not comment on personnel matters.