Abercrombie & Fitch Sued for Discrimination

A Muslim teen filed a federal lawsuit against clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch after she was denied a job in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, mall.

In the lawsuit, which was filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Samantha Elauf claims that she was discriminated against on the basis of her religion, the Associated Press reports. Elauf, who wears a hijab in accordance with her Muslim faith, alleged that the manger of the teen clothing store said that her head scarf violated the store's "Look Policy."

EEOC attorney Michelle Robertson explained to the news source, "It is unlawful for employers to treat applicants or workers differently based on their religious beliefs or practices in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring and job assignments."

The suit asks that Abercrombie & Fitch be enjoined from participating in discriminatory practice and seeks an undisclosed amount of monetary and non-monetary losses prosecutors claim stem from "emotional pain, suffering, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation and inconvenience.

In 2004, Abercrombie settled a suit filed by the EEOC for allegedly promoting a minority-free image in its advertisements.