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3rd Circuit Says Police Need Not Accommodate Officer's Khimar

By Howard M. Friedman

In Webb v. City of Philadelphia, (3d Cir., April 7, 2009), the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a Title VII religious discrimination claim brought by a Philadelphia police officer. Agreeing with the district court (see prior posting), the Court of Appeals held that it would impose undue hardship on the Department to require it to allow Kimberlie Webb, a Muslim, to wear a headscarf (khimar) while on duty in uniform. It agreed with the City that the uniform rule is necessary to create a perception of impartiality by citizens of all races and religions. AmLaw Daily reports on the decision, including the court's rejection of counsel's attmpt to raise a number of issues for the first time on appeal. [Thanks to Steven Sheinberg for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on April 08, 2009 (boomark / email).