New York City has agreed to a $17.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over a policy that required individuals to remove religious head coverings for mug shots during police bookings. This settlement will impact thousands of people while addressing civil rights concerns and mandates policy changes to ensure religious rights are respected during the booking process. It highlights the importance of respecting religious practices in law enforcement and sets an example for future cases.
History of the issue $17.5M class action settlement
The $17.5 million settlement in New York City marks a significant milestone in the fight for religious accommodation. Muslim women and others have faced systemic discrimination, especially within secular institutions, where they were forced to remove religious head coverings like hijabs, turbans, or yarmulkes for mug shots. This practice was seen as a violation of their religious freedom and dignity. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2018 by two Muslim women Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, highlighted that over 3,600 women had similar experiences. The settlement not only provides financial compensation but also mandates policy changes to ensure religious rights are respected during the booking process.
The controversy gained significant attention in the mid-2010s, prompting legal actions and public outcry. In response, the NYPD revised its policies in 2018 to allow religious head coverings to remain on during mug shots, provided the face was fully visible. However, these changes were not enough, leading to further legal challenges. The class-action lawsuit resulted in the $17.5 million settlement, which compensates affected individuals and solidifies changes to NYPD policies. This case underscores the importance of balancing law enforcement practices with respect for religious freedoms and sets a precedent for future cases.
New York City Religious $17.5M Class Action Settlement Details
| Country of Origin | USA |
| State | New York |
| Regulating Body | Department Of Justice (New York) |
| Category | Civil Rights Compensation |
| Objective | Aids for victims |
| Expected last date to submit claim | 26th September 2024 |
| Expected final approval | 29th October 2024 |
| Website | New York City Law Department (nyc.gov) https://headcoveringcase.com/Home?portalid=0 |
Who all are eligible for $17.5M class action settlement?
Eligible Victims: Individuals who were forced to remove their religious head coverings (e.g., hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes) for mug shots while in NYPD custody between March 16, 2014, and August 23, 2021.
Compensation: Eligible class members can receive approximately $7,824 or more for each instance of unlawful removal. The exact amount may vary depending on the number of valid claims filed.
To receive compensation, eligible individuals must submit a valid claim form by September 26, 2024, and provide necessary documentation. The settlement mandates changes to NYPD policies to ensure religious rights are respected during the booking process. This settlement addresses religious discrimination and sets a precedent for future cases, highlighting the importance of respecting religious practices in law enforcement.
Expected awards for $17.5M class action settlement?
The amount of compensation in the $17.5 million hijab lawsuit settlement depends on the number of valid claims and details of each claim. More claims mean smaller payouts. The number of times a person had to remove their hijab for a mugshot also affects the amount. While exact amounts aren’t public, eligible individuals will get a monetary award, which may vary. The settlement may include changes to NYPD policy on religious head coverings.
Compensation will vary based on the number of eligible claimants. Each person forced to remove their religious head covering during booking could get a portion of the settlement. Awards might range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, with a tiered payment system for repeated violations. Some funds will cover legal fees and administrative costs. Unclaimed funds may be redistributed or donated. Expected awards range from $7,000 to $13,000 per person, with a minimum of $7,824 for each instance of unlawful removal.
How to apply for $17.5M class action settlement?
To apply for the $17.5 million class action settlement related to the forced removal of hijabs for mugshots by the NYPD, you need to submit a claim form. First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, Visit the official settlement website for detailed information about the claim process, deadlines, and required documentation. Gather necessary documents like your arrest record or police report, and carefully fill out the claim form with accurate information. Follow the instructions on the website to submit your completed claim form and supporting documents.
Send your completed claim form to the Claims Administrator by mail or phone before September 26, 2024. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for October 29, 2024. Following is the offline mailing address:
NYC Religious Headcovering Settlement
c/o Rust Consulting Inc. – 8609
PO Box 2805
Faribault, MN 55021-8610
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official settlement website: [https://headcoveringcase.com/](https://headcoveringcase.com/) or call 1-833-637-4794.
Fact Checks on $17.5M class action settlement
The $17.5 million class action settlement regarding the unlawful removal of religious head coverings in New York City has made significant progress as of August 8, 2024. The settlement has been preliminarily approved, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2024. Over 3,600 individuals are eligible for payments ranging from approximately $7,000 to $13,000, and they must submit their claim forms by September 26, 2024. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has also changed its policy to allow individuals to keep their religious head coverings on for mug shots, with limited exceptions. Once the settlement is approved, the funds will be divided equally among all eligible class members who submit valid claims.
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