Man sues Disney for religious discrimination
DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A man is suing Disney for not rehiring him because he wears a turban for religious purposes.
Sukhbir Singh Channa is a Sikh. Sikhism is a peaceful religious movement formed in India 500 years ago. "The Sikh religion can be summarized by three principles: remember God, earn an honest living and share with others. Observant Sikhs are required to maintain uncut hair and wear a turban," said Rajdeep Singh of the Sikh-American Defense Fund.
Channa claimed that Disney World management were not comfortable with his turban. When he applied for his old job back in 2006, playing the trumpet for Mickey Mouse, only this time interacting with children, exposing the same type of turban that pops up in Disney films, he was rejected. "It was very insulting, specifically told that anything involving me being seen by the public would not be allowed because of my turban, specifically," said Channa.
Channa is suing Disney for religious discrimination. "It is fundamentally un-American, for any company to force an American to choose between religious freedom and a job," said Singh.
Jacquee Polak, a Disney spokesperson, sent a statement challenging Channa's story: "Mr. Channa never sought re-employment for the 2006 season. His claim that he did and was denied is without merit. We value and respect diversity in our cast members."
Channa disputes those facts. In fact, in his lawsuit, he's filed two affidavits from witnesses who said they were there and heard the conversations between Disney Management and Channa.
He is suing for an injunction along with $1 million for humiliation.
(Copyright 2008 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
