New York, NY – A federal judge has ruled that a former New York City Department of Correction employee can continue her lawsuit alleging religious discrimination after being fired for refusing the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Religious accommodation dispute
Plaintiff Ayana F. Mumin, a practicing Muslim, asked for an exemption from the Department of Correction’s vaccination requirement in 2021, citing her religious beliefs. The agency denied her request, placed her on unpaid leave, and ultimately terminated her employment for noncompliance.
Mumin sued the City of New York and Louis A. Molina, Commissioner of DOC, under Title VII, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, and Section 1983, claiming she was subjected to unlawful discrimination and retaliation.
Court rejects dismissal attempt
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon denied the city’s latest bid to dismiss the case, ruling that Mumin’s Third Amended Complaint states sufficient claims to proceed. While the court previously tossed an earlier version of the lawsuit, it allowed Mumin to amend, and her expanded allegations survived this round of scrutiny.
The ruling draws heavily on the city’s own mandate documents, DOC directives, and the denial letter Mumin received, which the judge determined were integral to the case.
Next steps in litigation
The decision means Mumin will have the opportunity to press her claims in discovery and potentially at trial. The case remains one of several challenges brought by former city workers who lost their jobs after refusing vaccination on religious grounds.
Key Points
- Ex-DOC employee Ayana Mumin claims her firing for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine violated her religious rights.
- The city sought dismissal, but Judge Jennifer Rochon denied the motion, allowing the case to proceed.
- The lawsuit alleges violations of federal, state, and city anti-discrimination laws.
The courtroom battle over faith and mandates in New York City is still unfolding.