Coalition Files Lawsuit Against Lexus Dealership for Refusing to Hire Sikh

February 26, 2010

Author: Staff Writer

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coalition-files-lawsuit-against-lexus-dealership-for-refusing-to-hire-sikh-85478222.html

A Sikh filed a discrimination lawsuit today after being told to remove his religiously-mandated beard if he wanted a job. The Sikh, Gurpreet Singh Kherha, filed his lawsuit in New Jersey state court against Tri-County Lexus where he wanted to work as a sales representative.

In 2008, Mr. Kherha was recruited for a sales position at Tri-County Lexus in Little Falls, New Jersey.  After completing two days of training at Lexus, Mr. Kherha participated in a final group interview with a Tri-County Lexus manager.  

After the interview ended, a recruiter approached Mr. Kherha to ask if his beard is a religious requirement.  Mr. Kherha explained that he is a practicing Sikh who does not cut his hair, including his facial hair.  The recruiter then asked Mr. Kherha if he would be willing to remove his beard in order to obtain a job as a Tri-County Lexus sales representative.  Mr. Kherha replied he would not.