Religious discrimination cases are where Ayad Law made its name. In the years after September 11, the firm represented Muslim and Arab American clients who were profiled, fired, harassed, and treated as suspects because of their faith. We continue that work today for clients of every religion.
What religious discrimination looks like
- Being fired, demoted, or not hired because of your religion
- An employer refusing reasonable accommodation for prayer, religious holidays, dress, or grooming
- Being ordered to remove a hijab, headscarf, or other religious garment by police, jail staff, or a court
- Harassment at work based on religion or national origin
- Being refused service, housing, or banking because of religion or ethnicity
- Government surveillance, profiling, or watch-listing based on religion
Our experience
In 2009, Nabih Ayad filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a Muslim woman who was ordered to remove her hijab in a Wayne County courtroom. In 2017, the firm filed Arab American Civil Rights League v. Trump in the Eastern District of Michigan, challenging the executive order restricting travel from Muslim-majority countries. In 2019, the court denied the government's motion to dismiss, finding the plaintiffs had plausibly alleged the order was motivated by animus toward Muslims. Read more about these cases.
The laws that protect you
Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits religious discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and public services. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits it in employment, and the First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion against government interference. Each law has its own procedures and deadlines. A Title VII claim, for example, generally requires filing a charge with the EEOC within 300 days in Michigan.
Our attorneys and staff speak Arabic, and we understand the religious and cultural context of the communities we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Does my employer have to accommodate my prayers or religious dress?
Under federal law, employers must reasonably accommodate an employee's sincere religious practices unless doing so would cause substantial increased costs to the business. After the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Groff v. DeJoy, that is a meaningful burden for employers to meet.
Can police or jail staff make me remove my hijab?
Removing religious dress can violate the First Amendment and federal law protecting religious exercise, especially when done in public or in front of men. If this happened to you, speak with a civil rights attorney promptly.
Is religious discrimination different from national origin discrimination?
They are separate protected categories, but they often overlap for Arab American and Muslim clients. A strong case frequently pleads both.
Can I speak with an attorney in Arabic?
Yes. We serve clients in Arabic and English.