PHILADELPHIA — A man is suing his former employer over allegations that he was terminated for his religious beliefs.
Michael (Moshe) Raskind filed a lawsuit on March 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Resources for Human Development Inc., citing violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
According to the complaint, Raskind was employed by the defendant as a unit director at its Lower Merion Counseling Center, from Nov. 4, 2013, until March 23, 2015. The plaintiff claims that he specifically informed the defendant of his Jewish beliefs and requested time off from work to observe the Jewish High Holidays.
The plaintiff avers that his supervisor disapproved of his taking time off for a religious holiday. In December 2014, Raskind allegedly received two formal written notices for deficiencies in his work performance. The plaintiff was reportedly terminated on March 23, 2015, after being harassed for his faith.
The plaintiff filed his charge of discrimination with the EEOC on April 23, 2015, and allegedly received a “right to sue” letter on Dec. 20, 2015.
Raskind seeks actual damages for lost wages, liquidated damages, costs, attorney’s fees, and a trial by jury. He is represented by Garen Meguerian of Garen Meguerian, Attorney at Law LLC, in Paoli.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:16-cv-00629-RK