AUGUSTA, Ga—Since Lacey Enevoldsen’s recent resignation from Augusta’s Farmhaus Burger in August 2018, she filed an EEOC complaint against the owner of the restaurant, Sean Wight in February. For a recap on the events before the discrimination complaint being filed, read the article from last month covering Lacey’s experience after converting to Islam.
The complaint detailed several discriminative and harassing incidents from Wight because of Lacey expressing her religious ties of Islam by wearing a hijab in the workplace. For legal assistance, Lacey has gotten legal representation from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). With the federal case being opened since the Augusta press conference in February, what has transpired or happened since then?
Recently, Lacey’s CAIR attorney, Murtaza Khwaja, revealed in an Augusta press conference that, “The complaint is in its investigation stage, which could take a couple of months.” Khwaja reported to Augusta Chronicle, stating, “If the EEOC investigates and finds there was discriminative behavior on behalf of Wight, then we will be given clearance to sue.”
Currently, Lacey disclosed that the current status of the case is on a path that she is pleased and confident with. At this moment, Lacey explains, “I am waiting for further confirmation from my attorneys at CAIR to see if I can give a more in-depth statement about the case’s current status.
Fortunately, Lacey proclaims she has found employment with another Downtown Augusta local business, which is The Bee’s Knees vegan-focused restaurant. Lacey also currently works at the sister property called The Hive. Lacey notes that:
In my new employment, I’ve received reasonable religious accommodations, and my religion has not been used to discredit my work in any way. I am pleased to see other Augusta establishments did not follow the path of Mr. Sean Wight, said Lacey.
If you are an employee of an establishment that is a victim of discrimination and harassment, file a charge of employment discrimination to EEOC. Or, if you are a part of small business and are receiving unfair treatment in the workplace, find help and resources at EEOC as well.