Muslim woman claims discrimination at job

A Muslim woman is suing Walmart, claiming managers at a Knoxville store discriminated against her and then retaliated when she complained.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the lawsuit was filed this week in federal court in Nashville by Fadumo Sardeye. It says the Somali native spent 15 years working at a Walmart in Memphis without problems.

According to the suit, she transferred to a Knoxville store in 2014 after she moved to be closer to her daughters. Managers at that store initially denied a request for vacation during Muslim holidays and later demanded she show where in the Quran it said she could not touch pork products or alcohol.

Walmart said in an email, the company has not been served with the complaint but intends to defend itself in court.

“We do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation. Ms. Sardeye was terminated for repeatedly violating our attendance policy,” reads the statement from National Media Relations Director LeMia Jenkins.

The lawsuit describes Sardeye as a devout Muslim who believes her religion prohibits her from consuming or handling pork products or alcohol and requires her to take off work to observe religious holidays.

Sardeye is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, including back pay and lost wages.