A Texas health clinic told a Muslim immigrant doctor that she couldn't wear her hijab on the job because of a "no hat" policy, then immediately surrendered based on a letter from CAIR. I don't understand why a health clinic has a "no hat" policy in the first place. Left, Dr Hena Zaki, right, the glamorous Julie London, as Nurse Dixie McCall, wearing a hat.

Texas clinic: Headscarf ban was misunderstanding

ANABELLE GARAY Associated Press November 2, 2009 DALLAS (AP) - A Texas health clinic operator said it regrets telling a Muslim doctor applying for a job that she couldn't wear her traditional headscarf and will clarify its policy regarding religious accommodations for employees.

Dr. Hena Zaki has said she was shocked when CareNow officials told her last month in person and later by e-mail that a no-hat policy extended to her headscarf, also called a hijab.

Coppell-based CareNow, which has nearly two dozen minor emergency clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, called the headscarf ban a misunderstanding and said it plans to train workers to prevent confusion in the future.

"We look forward to sitting down with Dr. Zaki and discussing potential job opportunities. Bright, young doctors like her are just what we're looking for," CareNow President Tim Miller said in a statement released on Saturday.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote to CareNow, explaining federal law requires employers to reasonably accommodate religious practices of an employee.[More]