DEARBORN — Advance America will be implementing a new policy nationwide after a string of Muslim women had filed discriminatory complaints against the company. 

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) and Advance America Cash Advance Centers, Inc. announced on Thursday, October 22 that a settlement was reached in a lawsuit against the company’s security policy, which required the removal of head covering prior to entry at Advance America locations. 

The lawsuit was filed after an Advance America employee asked a Muslim woman to temporarily remove her hijab in order to access an Advance America location to cash a money order.

The agreement in the lawsuit includes a commitment by the company to modify its policy to allow a customer to enter an Advance America center without removing religious head covering, provided that the customer’s face is visible for identification.

“We applaud this settlement, which represents a mutually agreeable resolution of this case, and we welcome Advance America’s policy change that accommodates Muslim women who wear the hijab, as well as individuals of other faith backgrounds who wear religious head coverings,” said CAIR-MI Senior Staff Attorney Lena Masri, who served as co-counsel with attorney Shereef Akeel of Akeel & Valentine, PLC.

Several other Muslim women came forward to local civil rights groups with allegations against the South Carolina-based company, claiming discrimination took place at locations in Inkster, Westland, Sterling Heights and Warren. 

The American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee of Michigan (ADC-MI) also handled complaints on the matter.

“Advance America’s efforts to adjust its nationwide policy to balance its security needs with the unique needs of different communities is a positive step for all Americans, and should be commended,” said ADC-MI Director Fatina Abdrabboh. 

Jamie Fulmer, spokesperson for Advance America, noted that the policy the company previously implemented was aimed at the removal of hats, hoods and sunglasses for safety measures and those clothing items will now be differentiated from religious attire. 

“We are pleased we were able to work with CAIR-MI to find a solution that is both mindful of our need to protect the safety and security of our centers and employees and respectful of the religious beliefs and practices of our customers,” Fulmer said. 

This was the latest in a string of national companies that were accused of discriminatory practices for policies that targeted the hijab. 

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Samantha Elauf, a Muslim woman who had interviewed for a job at a Tulsa, OK. Abercrombie and Fitch while wearing her hijab and had been rejected under the company’s “look policy.” That decision marked a victory for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that sued the company on Elauf’s behalf.