Islamic woman sues after firing by Portland non-profit

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A woman of Islamic faith has filed a $1 million lawsuit against a Portland nonprofit, alleging she was fired because of her religion, national origin and disability of asthma.

The lawsuit filed last week by Sharmin Rahman contends she was fired by Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare after wearing a head scarf, asking for prayer breaks and refusing to shake the hand of a male boss.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (https://is.gd/xnvEOT ) Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare offers help to those who are homeless or have problems with addictions or mental health. A spokesperson was not available to comment on the suit.

The lawsuit states the Bangladesh-born woman began work as a case manager in December 2014 and was let go in less than five months. The listed reason was “Inability or Not Qualified,” which she disputes.

According to the suit, Rahman’s asthma came into play when she asked a supervisor to not smoke during “walk-and-talk” meetings.

___

Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com