Facts

On March 25, 2002, Mohammed Khan was terminated from his job as a project coordinator for HMC Group (HMC), an architecture firm in Rancho Cucamonga. Khan, a Muslim from Pakistan, sued HMC for employment discrimination based on national origin and religious belief and for failure to promote. Additionally, Khan sued his supervisor, Laura Amiri, but Amiri was granted summary judgment and dismissed from the suit prior to trial.

Just before his termination, Khan was denied a promotion to project manager and was one of 11 employees laid off by HMC. Khan had worked for the firm for two and a half years.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Khan claimed that during his two and a half years at HMC, he wore a long beard and traditional head dress, which he claimed contributed to his firing. Khan also claimed HMC failed to accommodate his religious practice after he requested a place at work where he could pray during the day.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant claimed Khan was terminated for legitimate business purposes.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff sought $350,000 prior to trial.

Damages

Khan sought $580,000 in damages.

Result

The jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the defense.

Deliberation

1 hour

Length

three weeks