Muslim man says Bed Bath & Beyond coworkers called him ‘terrorist’ and fired him for his beard
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Alcantara, 48, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against Bed Bath & Beyond, his former employer.
Mr Alcantara claims he was repeatedly called a “terrorist” by his colleagues and the company’s human resources department ignored his concerns.
“When I was being called a terrorist, it made me question everything — my religion, my beliefs, myself,” he told the New York Daily News.
“These were people I trusted and was trying to develop a relationship with. I felt really betrayed. They stabbed me in the back.”
Mr Alcantara landed the job in October 2012 in New York City. After recovering from throat and mouth cancer, and watching his mother-in-law battle cancer, he turned to Islam and began to grow out his beard.
After he was questioned about his faith and beard by his former manager, Mr Alcantara said he was greeted with disparaging comments at work: “Good morning, terrorist. How are you terrorist?”
He told the Daily News that another HR manager had asked if he was “seriously following the Muslim religion."
Mr Alcanta was approved vacation days on December 23, 2013 through January 2, 2014. When he returned to work he was fired for missing two days during this period.
The company released a statement to the outlet after news of the lawsuit hit.
“Bed Bath & Beyond strictly prohibits any form of harassment or unlawful discrimination. We disagree with the characterization of the separation that was provided. We will respond to this matter in the appropriate forum, should any further legal action be taken.”
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reportedly determined in July that the store had discriminated against Mr Alcantara. They also issued a "right to sue" letter.