Need more proof that stray comments by hiring managers can get companies in big legal trouble? Try this million-dollar lawsuit against Disney.
A man applied for a job at Disney World playing trumpet in the park’s annual Christmas show. As a practicioner of the Sikh religion, he was required to wear a Turbin and keep a full beard.
He was turned down for the job and told he didn’t have “the Disney look.” So he filed a lawsuit, claiming religious discrimination.
Experts aren’t sure what chance Disney has of fighting the suit. On one hand, the company might have a case if it can show he couldn’t have been hired because he was unable to follow the position’s strict uniform guidelines.
But on the other hand, commenting on an applicant’s “look” is rarely a good idea. We’ll keep you posted as the case moves forward.
