Muslim SEPTA Worker Wins One Claim in Ramadan Drug Testing Suit

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority violated a Muslim employee’s religious rights when it subjected him to follow-up drug testing during the fasting hours of Ramadan, a federal judge ruled.

The ruling addressed novel questions on when workers are subject to discipline if forced to choose between their faith and their jobs, and when a worker can sue on claims arising after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission closes an investigation.

SEPTA actions during Jeremi Taylor’s follow-up testing violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act even though drug testing of workers in safety-sensitive jobs must be done randomly and without ...