Their case was fought by The Sikh Coalition who were representing the clients since 2008 and had filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against the trucking company J.B. Hunt. A federal investigation found evidence and came to the conclusion that the company has discriminated against Sikhs due to their articles of faith.
Lakhbit Singh was one of the three clients were denied accommodation when they refused to cut their hair to provide a sample for drug testing because it went against one of the Sikhism’s five articles of faith.
"It was one of the hardest times of my life. My body went numb and I had tears in my eyes," Singh told The Seattle Times.
"There is nothing about my faith that interferes with my ability to do my job"
Another client was asked to remove his turban while providing a urine sample. He refused to do so and he too, was denied accommodation. In all of these cases, J.B. Hunt denied employment despite the client’s suitable job qualifications.
However, the investigation found out that Federal law does not require hair samples for drug testing nor the removal of any type of head gear during urine sampling. Also, there are other methods available for drug testing e.g. nail samples.
"No one should have to face humiliation because of their religious beliefs,” said Jagtar Singh Anandpuri, the lead complainant.
"I have been driving a truck for years, and I know there is nothing about my faith that interferes with my ability to do my job."
J.B. Hunt will now pay $260,000 in damages and also to amend the company policies so they comply with the federal anti-discrimination laws.
