Red Robin discrimnates against non-christians

Rocky Mountain News: Business: "Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC on behalf of a fired employee.

Edward Rangel Jr., now 26, waited tables at the restaurant chain in Bellevue, Wash., for about six months in 2002.


A new manager fired him over religious tattoos on his wrists, he said in a lawsuit brought by the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Rangel belongs to an ancient Egyptian faith called Kemet or Kemetic. His text-only tattoos, about one-quarter inch wide encircling each wrist, contain the name of God, Rangel said in an interview Wednesday.

The manager wanted him to cover the tattoos with wristbands, he said.

'You can't cover it up - it's like killing the name of God,' he said.

Until the new manager started, Rangel said, no other bosses or co-workers objected to the markings, even though the company's dress code prohibits visible tattoos.

Rangel, now a full-time tech support worker at another company, said he tried to appeal his firing but received no encouragement from upper management, including former Chief Executive Officer Jim McCloskey.

McCloskey, who resigned last month along with Chief Executive Michael Snyder, had been criticized earlier this year for saying during an analyst conference call that the company looked to hire employees who promote "Christian values."

In court filings, Red Robin denied the allegations of discrimination.

The company, which settled the lawsuit without admitting any liability, also must take action to ensure that its restaurants are adhering to federal anti-discrimination laws, according to the settlement agreement.

Red Robin executives were traveling and could not be reached for comment late Wednesday, said the company's marketing director, Kim McBee.