Commission Finds Probable Cause in Discrimination Case Against McDonald’s for Serving Bacon to Muslim Customer

IQNA –  The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has determined there is “probable cause” in a discrimination complaint filed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) against a McDonald’s in Chicopee, where a Muslim customer was allegedly served pork, a violation of her religious beliefs.

The MCAD’s decision stems from a complaint filed in 2022 by CAIR-MA on behalf of Ghadir Alahmar, who alleged that employees at the Chicopee McDonald’s intentionally served her a fish sandwich filled with bacon, a food forbidden in Islam.

Alahmar, who is easily identifiable as a Muslim due to her hijab and modest attire, reported that the sandwich was intended for her then 7-year-old son.

The MCAD’s investigation revealed that the staff may have recognized Alahmar’s Muslim identity and her family’s national origin, raising concerns about the motivations behind the incident.

“A fact-finder may reasonably conclude that [McDonald’s] staff perceived [Alahmar] and her family to be Muslim based on her dressing in the Hijab and a long gown, and her difference in national origin based on her accent," the MCAD stated, CAIR reported on Thursday.

"[McDonald’s] also state[s] that one of their employees was aware of the tenets of [Alahmar’s] religion that prohibit the consumption of products that come from pig, which may suggest that serving [Alahmar] bacon was not in error," it added.

Ghadir Alahmar expressed her relief at the MCAD’s ruling, stating, “Even now, my son tells me that every time he sees a McDonald’s, he still thinks about what happened to us. I want McDonald’s to make changes to employee hiring and training so that only people who are respectful and welcoming work there, not racist or prejudiced people. My son said the same thing – I want them not to hate Muslims.”

CAIR-MA’s Legal Director, Barbara J. Dougan, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are encouraged by this significant finding, which allows the case to advance. While this is not yet a final resolution, it’s gratifying that MCAD saw through the justifications offered by McDonald’s to explain this disturbing incident at the Chicopee store. MCAD’s finding brings us one step closer to accountability and justice for the family.”

A conciliation session has been scheduled for February 2025, where both parties will discuss the possibility of a settlement in this significant case.

Source: Agencies