Washington, D.C

D.C. firefighters sue over policy banning beards for employees

Published

2 years ago

November 26, 2022

D.C. firefighters sue over policy banning beards for employees

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D.C. firefighters have requested a decide to carry the District in contempt of court docket for a coverage that bans beards, resurrecting a battle fought over facial hair a long time in the past.

In a movement filed this month in federal court docket in Washington, firefighters say they have been faraway from area obligation and reassigned to lesser roles and obtained much less compensation as a result of they refused to shave after the D.C. Fireplace and EMS Division (D.C. FEMS) issued a coverage in 2020 prohibiting most sorts of facial hair.

Steven Chasin, Calvert Potter, Jasper Sterling and Hassan Umrani every put on a beard “in accordance with the tenets of his Muslim or Jewish religion,” which was protected by a everlasting injunction the boys gained towards the District about 15 years in the past beneath the Non secular Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), filings from their attorneys state. The division’s newest coverage unlawfully ignored the court docket order that permits them to maintain their facial hair as an expression of non secular beliefs, the firefighters argue.

“There actually isn’t any excuse,” Jordan Pratt, senior counsel with First Liberty Institute, mentioned in an interview. “They [D.C. FEMS] determined to be their very own federal decide and violate the federal court docket order. That violation brought about our purchasers hurt for a 12 months and a half.”

In a Battle Over D.C. Coverage, Muslim Firefighter Fought For the Rights of the Religious

A D.C. FEMS spokesperson directed all inquiries to the D.C. Workplace of the Legal professional Normal, which didn’t reply to requests for remark.

Many fireplace departments that ban facial hair for workers argue beards forestall masks from creating a correct seal and cut back their effectiveness.

In 2007, the District labored to maintain its grooming coverage in assist of shaving, saying it was within the curiosity of security, based on court docket paperwork filed by the D.C. legal professional common’s workplace.

“The District maintains that it’s unsafe to put on a tight-fitting face-piece with facial hair on the level of seal no matter whether or not the face-piece is utilized in a optimistic or destructive configuration,” the District argued in a movement.

However in 2007, U.S. District Courtroom Decide James Robertson sided with firefighters and concluded that, outdoors of a “catastrophic state of affairs,” “proof exhibits {that a} beard has by no means interfered with the flexibility of a FEMS employee to do his obligation,” based on a court docket memorandum.

Within the division’s latest coverage, issued in February 2020, staff have been prohibited from having “facial hair that comes between the sealing floor of the face piece and the face,” “facial hair that interferes with the valve perform,” or “any situation that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal or valve perform,” based on the court docket movement. The language of the coverage mirrors the coverage that D.C. FEMS was completely ordered to not apply, utilizing the identical security pursuits as earlier than, Pratt mentioned.

The coverage “intends to guard and improve the security of all members and thereby assist our capability to offer environment friendly fireplace and emergency medical companies to the residents and guests of the District of Columbia,” based on a common order from D.C. FEMS cited within the movement.

Every plaintiff knowledgeable their supervisor of the coverage violating the federal court docket order, however was nonetheless reassigned from area obligation in March 2020, Pratt mentioned.

The enforcement was initially scheduled for April 2020 however was moved up by means of a particular order issued by the division, which mentioned that the unfold of covid-19 would enhance the usage of “N-95 masks and air-purifying respirators” and that “the presence of facial hair interferes with the masks’s seal,” based on the movement. The coverage in D.C. got here within the earlier months of the coronavirus pandemic, however the firefighters argue that the District had deliberate to reinstate the beard ban earlier than the covid emergency.

Firefighters File Swimsuit Over Hair Coverage

The reassignments to logistical positions resulted within the firefighters shedding alternatives to earn time beyond regulation and vacation pay, which was much less whole pay than they might have obtained had they remained on area obligation, the plaintiffs asserted.

Potter and his household “skilled elevated psychological stress and frustration” due to the lesser revenue, and Umrani was “unable to take part in particular job coaching actions” and “was not allowed to use for a promotion” at his firehouse as a result of he was not within the area, their court docket filings mentioned. Sterling mentioned he was compelled to “use depart time to attend medical appointments” and will now not take his son to highschool on off days as a result of the brand new project modified his schedule. Chasin additionally had to make use of depart time for medical appointments, based on the movement.

“It was solely after we acquired concerned and despatched a letter that defined, ‘Nicely, you possibly can’t simply unilaterally violate federal injunctions.’ It’s solely then that they restored them to area obligation, however thus far simply haven’t been prepared to adequately compensate our purchasers for the hurt that their violation brought about,” Pratt mentioned.

Potter and Sterling have been restored to area obligation in October 2021, and Umrani was in December 2021. Chasin transferred to an administrative place in March 2021 at his selecting, based on the movement.

The newest struggle over the division’s grooming insurance policies, earlier reported by WTOP, mirrors authorized wrangling that goes again a long time. In 2001, firefighters introduced swimsuit towards D.C. FEMS for violating their spiritual freedoms by forcing them to chop their hair or shave their beards, and gained. The division had argued the coverage was enforced “to extend self-discipline, uniformity, security and esprit de corps all through this Division,” based on a Washington Publish report on the time.

The District has the chance to reply to the movement as to why they shouldn’t be held in contempt of court docket. Attorneys are requesting compensatory aid for the plaintiffs.

After years of backwards and forwards over beard coverage, the plaintiffs once more are looking for that the everlasting court docket order is being adopted beneath RFRA, and that firefighters practising spiritual beliefs are protected, Pratt mentioned.

“In a world with out RFRA, it’s the minority religions that might endure essentially the most,” Pratt mentioned.

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Washington, D.C

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

Published

3 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

Thousands to make their voices heard at People's March days before inauguration

As D.C. prepares for Inauguration Day, tens of thousands of activists are preparing to make their voices heard.

Days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol again, several grassroots groups will descend on the District Saturday for the People’s March, which has the same organizers behind the 2017 Women’s March.

“Talking about immigration, talking about peace, talking about abortion access, talking about racial justice and reproductive justice,” said Tamika Middleon, the managing director for Women’s March.

Like previous marches, organizers say Saturday’s event is part of a long term resistance strategy to proposed policies of the incoming Trump Administration

“And so we are trying to create opportunities for people to be together, and that’s really our message, is for people to find ways for them to engage with each other,” Middleon said.

Several Metro stations and several streets will be closed Monday for the inauguration, but the 18th will also be a busy day on D.C. roads

People’s March organizers say there will be three meet up locations Saturday before they march to the Lincoln Memorial: Farragut Square, where groups will focus on democracy, immigration, climate and military; Franklin Park, a starting point for gender justice activists, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ groups; and McPherson Square, ground zero for many local grassroots organizations.

“We’re going to be specifically focusing on D.C. issues,” said Megan Salmon with Spaces in Action.

Salmon said they’ve been busy coordinating with local volunteers ahead of Saturday, and even though a lot has changed since Trump took office in 2017, their commitment to the cause hasn’t — and they’re ready for what’s next.

“Organizers have been preparing for a moment like this for way longer than it was talked about, so it wasn’t just since the election, it wasn’t just since the campaign trail,” Salmon said. “I do think that the resistance is strategic, but I do think that’s not just a reflection of the moment we’re in. I think it’s a longer term fight.”

All of those groups are set to meet up at the Lincoln Memorial, and that big rally is scheduled to go from about 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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Washington, D.C

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

SAPD to send 61 officers to Washington DC for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration

WASHINGTON D.C. – Safety is a priority at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump next week.

San Antonio police is sending 61 officers to Washington, D.C., to assist the Metropolitan Police Department while Trump is sworn into office.

SAPD deployed 45 officers when Trump took office for the first time in 2017.

The increase in officers being sent this time reflects heightened security concerns and a greater emphasis on ensuring the safety of all attendees.

In addition to SAPD’s presence, law enforcement agencies nationwide are also mobilizing to provide support.

As preparations continue, authorities urge attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The 60th presidential inauguration ceremony will begin at noon EST on Jan. 20.

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Washington, D.C

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

Published

19 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, Jan. 13-19

We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s completely free to subscribe!

Call it D.C.’s biggest hits: Pandas, the Commanders, MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade are all on tap this week – and that’s before we even get to Inauguration Day!

Of course, if you want to see a panda this week, you must be a National Zoo member. But anyone can grab their free pass to visit the National Zoo once the pandas make their public debut on Jan. 24. The only thing you’ll need to see the pandas is your zoo pass… plus, patience and warm clothes. Expect a line to get into the panda habitat!

But everyone can watch the Commanders face the Lions at 8 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, sixth-seeded Washington upset the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Can they clinch against the division leader? Every sports bar will be screening this highly anticipated showdown.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Hands-on Landscape Painting with Paloma Vianey: Weds., 6-8 p.m., Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, free but registration required

NMWA Nights: Weds., 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $25

DC Improv Date Night: Weds., 7:30 p.m., DC Improv, $99 for food and drink package or $15 for general admission

Rock the Rink at The Wharf: Thurs., 6-10 p.m., The Wharf Ice Rink, anyone in Capitals gear gets $5 off admission

National Symphony Orchestra on the Millennium Stage: Fri., 6 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free but arrive early to get tickets

MLK Shabbat: Visions of Freedom and Justice: Fri., 7 p.m., Sixth & I, free

Concert: Mo Lowda & The Humble and Illiterate Light: Fri., 8 p.m., 9:30 Club, $25

20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade: Sat., 11 a.m., Entertainment & Sports Arena, free

MLK Day of Service: Pope Branch Park cleanup with Anacostia Riverkeeper: Sat., 2900 M Place Southeast, free

Nerd Nite irreverent lecture series: Sat., doors 6 p.m., DC9, $10 (in advance) or $15 (day of)

Black A** Comedy: Sat., 7 p.m., Busboys and Poets 14th Street, $25

Charli x Sabrina x Chappell Dance Party: Sat., Black Cat, $10

Defying Gravity: A Wicked Party: Sat., Union Stage, $15+

Ye Olde Feast of Saint Vincent of Zaragossa!: Sun., 2 p.m., St. Vincent Wine at 3212 Georgia Ave NW, $72

Let Freedom Ring Celebration featuring Christopher Jackson and esperanza spalding, hosted by Taye Diggs: Sun., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center, free (note: ticket giveaway begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hall of Nations, limited to two tickets per person)

Union Stage Presents: Rare Essence , EU feat. Sugar Bear, DCVybe: Sun., 8:30 p.m., Howard Theatre, $55

Last chance – “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment”: Through Sun., the National Gallery of Art, free

What to do in Maryland

Theater: “What the Constitution Means to Me”: Jan. 15 to Feb. 16, Round House Theatre, $50+

SA-ROC (+ DJ OSO Fresh After Party): Fri., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $35

Yoga at Brookside Gardens: Sat., 9:30 a.m., Wheaton, $14

Say It Loud: A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sat., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown

Be’la Dona Brunch: Sun., 2 p.m., Bethesda Theater, $41.45 (including fees)

“Paper Dreams” at Imagination Stage: Through Feb. 16, Bethesda, $19.50

What to do in Virginia

Sean Gavin and Josh Dukes in Concert: Thurs., 7-9 p.m., Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, $25 ($10 under 18)

Comedy – Justin Martindale: Fri. and Sat., Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $20

Silly Suds: Humorous Soapmaking Workshop: Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, $45-$55, plus $10 supply fee (must register by Weds.)

NOVA Wine Expo: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles Expo Center, $40+

Presidential Transitions Lecture & Historic Document Viewing: Sat., noon to 3 p.m., George Washington Presidential Library, $10

La Vang Lunar New Year Festival: Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, $10 ($5 with student ID or for kids 2 to 11)

Comedy Night in Leesburg Presented By The DC Improv: Sat., Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, $20-$32

Ice & Lights-The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Through Feb. 23, Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, $8.55+

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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