Whitehall Settles Discrimination Lawsuit

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 7/14/2008 4:27:00 PM

Whitehall Jewelers and attorneys representing Shereen Attia said they’ve agreed to resolve an employee discrimination lawsuit from a year ago. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

American born Attia of Fairfield, Calif., who is of Egyptian and Italian descent, alleged that she was told she would not be hired as a sales associate at Whitehall Jewelers in the Solano Mall because she had begun wearing a religious head scarf.

The San Francisco-based Asian Law Caucus filed a suit against the retailer jeweler on her behalf just over a year ago. She is also represented by the law office of Minami Tamaki.

Under the terms of the agreement, Attia dismissed her claims against Whitehall while the chain jeweler denies any and all wrongdoing.

"The company is a strong advocate of diversity in the workplace and will continue its strong practices and policies against all forms of discrimination," said Michael Don, Whitehall president.

"Everyone should have the right to equal employment, regardless of race or religion, or the political climate we live in," added Shirin Sinnar, ALC staff attorney.

In connection with the settlement, Whitehall also confirmed that it will continue its already existing training under its current Code of Conduct which provides that Whitehall does not condone or tolerate discriminatory behavior.

"We are pleased that Whitehall has agreed to an early settlement of this matter" said Atty. Jack Lee of Minami Tamaki.