• 19
  • August
    2010

On Wednesday, Disneyland employee Imane Boudlal filed a discrimination complaint against the mighty mouse, citing the organization's repeated unwillingness to let her wear a traditional "hijab" while working. The hijab has been a controversial subject across the world for years, with many viewing it as an oppressive practice forced on Muslim women.

However, many like Boudlal choose to wear the hijab. The question in this case is whether or not she should be allowed to wear it while working in a customer-facing role. Managers at the Chip'n'Dale-themed restaurant where Boudlal works offered her a "backroom" position several times, Boudlal refused to be hidden in the back.

Part of Disney's defense has been the heavily-themed nature of their park, its attractions and restaurants. At Disney, public-facing image is everything.

Still, denying Boudlal's right to wear a traditional hijab seems to contradict the company's many expansions throughout the world - not to mention the message delivered in its popular "It's a Small World" ride.

Boudlal alleges that she has been sent home without pay several times for her refusal to remove her head wear. She filed her complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission early on Wednesday, and shortly thereafter, attempted to report for work. Again, she was sent home.

Disney has maintained that it is working hard to facilitate Boudlal's request to wear the hijab. However, even though she filed the request in June, Disney has failed to make significant strides in addressing the issue,

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