Top

blog

Stories

 

Disneyland Gives Imane Boudlal, Muslim Claiming Discrimination, Alternate Head Covering

Categories: Labor, Religion

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for walt_disney_ogo.jpg
Updated, with response from Disney.

Disneyland has found itself in a bit of a PR nightmare the past week as they've allegedly not allowed a Muslim restaurant hostess to wear a hijab, a traditional head covering. The woman, Imane Boudlal, has filed a claim with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission, saying the prohibition amounts to religious discrimination. Disneyland has said they've been working to accommodate her. Boudlal's union, Unite Here Local 11, says Disney has allowed Boudlal to wear the hijab, but only in the absence of customers. (Wait: Apparently we can have a Muslim as President of the United States but not as Disneyland restaurant hostess? What gives?)

Now, according to the union, the geniuses at Disney have come up with their own alternative head covering, proving again that human beings can be both well-meaning, and incredibly stupid. Local 11 sent over a photo of the hilarious bonnet and hat contraption they've given the woman to wear. Take a look, after the jump.

Hijab substitute sidexside F (2).jpg
As our colleague notes, how about some mouse ears on the hat?

Disney, from whom we're awaiting a response, has previously denied discrimination and blamed a longstanding feud with the union, which wants a new contract for Disney's hotel workers.

"The company values diversity and has a long-standing policy against discrimination of any kind,'' spokeswoman Suzi Brown said last week. "Unfortunately, this is yet another attempt by Local 11 to distort the facts and distract from the real issue that their members have been without a contract for two and a half years.''

Unite Here has staged numerous protests against Disneyland for more than two years.

Disney spokeswoman Brown emailed the following statement: We met with Ms. Boudlal on Saturday and presented her with several options. She asked that the costume be altered. Those alterations were made and a modified costume was presented to her that meets our costuming guidelines and which we believe provides an accommodation of her religious beliefs. We also provided four different roles that she could transition to that would allow her to wear her own hijab. She has twice chosen to reject all of the options that we've presented.

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

Home

General

©2013 LA Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Los Angeles

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city