BALTIMORE — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the Baltimore City Fire Department on behalf of a Muslim paramedic who was suspended for keeping a beard as part of his religious practice.

According to a statement , the suspension followed the employer’s refusal to grant a religious accommodation to the agency’s grooming policy. The complaint asks the EEOC to investigate, reinstate the paramedic with back pay and mandate policy changes and staff training.

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Othmane El Omari sought to maintain his facial hair in accordance with his religious beliefs since beginning his employment with the fire department. The complaint alleges that the department has repeatedly denied his accomm

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