Security Firm to Pay $90K to Settle Religious Discrimination Suit in California

Universal Protection Services, LP, dba Universal Protection Services, a nationwide private security services company, will pay $90,000 and furnish other relief to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit filed in California by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency announced today.

According to an EEOC lawsuit, the security company refused to accommodate the request of a Muslim security guard who sought a modification to the company’s grooming standard. The company fired him two days after he made the request, the EEOC said.

The alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employee religious beliefs.

The EEOC filed its suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

In addition to paying $90,000 to the employee, Allied Universal will retain an equal employment monitor, review and revise its religious accommodation policies and practices to comply with Title VII, provide annual EEO training for employees, supervisors, and managers who are involved in the religious accommodation process, post an employee notice and undertake record keeping and reporting to EEOC.

“The EEOC commends Allied Universal Security Services for agreeing to comprehensive injunctive remedies including in-person training and monitoring to ensure that future religious discrimination will not occur,” Anna Park, regional attorney for EEOC’s Los Angeles District, whose jurisdiction includes San Diego County, said in a statement. “We hope other companies take their lead in addressing religious accommodation issues.”

The case was EEOC v. Universal Protection Services, LP, dba Allied Universal Security Services, Case No. 3:17-cv-02436-BEN-NLS.