Kimberly Cloutier began working at the Costco store in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in July 1997. Cloutier had

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Kimberly Cloutier began working at the Costco store in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in July 1997. Cloutier had multiple earrings and four tattoos, but no facial piercings. In June 1998, Costco promoted Cloutier to cashier. Over the next two years, she engaged in various forms of body modification, including facial piercing and cutting. In March 2001, Costco revised its dress code to prohibit all facial jewelry except earrings. Cloutier was told that she would have to remove her facial jewelry. She asked for a complete exemption from the code, asserting that she was a member of the Church of Body Modification and that eyebrow piercing was part of her religion. She was told to remove the jewelry, cover it, or go home. She went home and was later discharged for her absence. Cloutier filed a suit in a federal district court against Costco, alleging religious discrimination in violation of Title VII. Does an employer have an obligation to accommodate its employees’ religious practices? If so, to what extent? How should the court rule in this case? Discuss.

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Business Law Text and Cases

ISBN: 978-0324655223

11th Edition

Authors: Kenneth W. Clarkson, Roger LeRoy Miller, Gaylord A. Jentz, F

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