United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Chipotle Services, LLC
Summary: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated legal proceedings against Chipotle, the popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain, citing religious harassment and retaliation. The lawsuit centers around Areej Saifan, a former Muslim employee, who alleges that she was subjected to harassment by her supervisor due to her hijab. Despite reporting these incidents, the company failed to take substantial action. Following her resignation, which was prompted by the ongoing harassment, Saifan was not assigned any additional shifts, a move that contradicts Chipotle's standard operating procedures. The company has since dismissed the supervisor involved and reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination. The EEOC's lawsuit is seeking a jury trial in Kansas City, along with backpay inclusive of prejudgment interest, and additional compensation for Saifan.