British law student sues Abercrombie-Fitch for disability discrimination.
New York, NY–A British law student and former employee of the U.S. clothing retailer, Abercrombie and Fitch (A&F), named the company in a lawsuit. Employment law attorneys representing, Riam Dean, cite disability discrimination in the suit and are seeking an upwards of $41,000 in damages. The previously employed woman said she felt “diminished” and “humiliated” by treatment from the posh Saville Row clothing store in central London, as reported by the BBC.
The plaintiff, Dean, 22, a former employee of A&F, claims the clothing retailer made her the main target of ridicule. Dean, who was born without a left forearm and wears a prosthetic limb, was granted special permission regarding her work attire, by A&F managers. The retail management team allowed Dean to wear a cardigan to conceal the prosthetic joint while at work in the store front. The store managers later decided the cardigan didn’t meet store “look policies”, and Dean was required to work in the store’s stockroom out of the view of retail customers.
The New York Daily News reported, representatives of A&F are claiming Dean is exaggerating the effects of her experiences while working for the clothing giant. A&F executives and managers are stating they have a strict anti-discrimination and harassment policy, in which they claim to follow vigorously. The disability discrimination lawsuit hearing began on Wednesday and is expected to continue for the next three days.
Abercrombie and Fitch, a New Albany, Ohio clothing retailer, with over 300 stores nationwide, is not unfamiliar with facing discrimination lawsuits. The clothing store chain has faced allegations in the past for deliberately selecting young, good-looking people, who fit the “A&F image”, to work in their stores. In 2004, A&F reportedly spent $50 million to settle numerous discrimination lawsuits.
The Attorneys at Bowman and Associates are experienced in handling all types of employment law. If you feel as if you have been discriminated on the job, contact the skilled employment law attorneys, to discuss your legal options.
