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November 03, 2007
Muslim Woman Claims Discrimination At Bank
Muslim woman claims discrimination at Union Bank in Lompoc
KSBY.com
A Lompoc resident says she's the victim of discrimination.
The Muslim woman, wearing a traditional head scarf, says she wanted into Union Bank in Lompoc, trying to open a new account. But a bank representative and the manager said no.
Fatiha Harit was born and raised in Morocco but has lived in Lompoc for several years. Now, an incident that started about a week and a half ago has left her hurt, confused, and searching for the reason why.
"It makes me feel I want to go back to my country," Harit said.
Anger and humiliation.
Fatiha Harit tried to open an account at Union Bank in Lompoc. Instead, she said an employee and a manager told her she can't-her home country of Morocco is on a terror list, at high risk for money laundering.
"I told her that's ridiculous, because that's not true," Harit said. "I know a friend of mine, she just opened an account two weeks ago with them. Why didn't they say anything to her because I'm wearing a hejab? Maybe that's why."
Fatiha always wears the hejab as part of her Muslim religion.
The branch's vice president later apologized saying it was a mistake.
"There's several steps that a branch takes and the branch did not go through the necessary steps," said Union Bank spokeswoman, Sharon Woodson-Bryant.
The two Lompoc employees were counseled about the incident, but Fatiha says it is not enough.
"I want them to fire those two people, this is what I want. It's the only thing that can make me feel better," Harit said.
A seven year resident of the Central Coast, Fatiha says she tired of the stereotypes.
"Please stop calling terrorism of the Muslim people. We are not bad people," Harit said.
It is a negative experience that has changed her forever.
Fatiha is working to become a U.S. citizen. Despite the proper documents, the bank still refused.
She and her husband then went to a Santa Maria branch of Union Bank and opened an account without any problems.
Fatiha chose to stay with Union Bank because that is where her employer does their banking. A bank spokesperson says they deeply regret what happened.
Wild Thing's comment........
"an employee and a manager told her she can't-her home country of Morocco is on a terror list, at high risk for money laundering"
In my opinion NO apology should have been made the bank was following the rules of what they were told to do.
The woman needs to learn something, we ARE at war with Islam and as she is a part of that and it WILL be difficult for her until more Muslims for one thing speak out with anger and outrage about what the terrorists have done, do and want to do.
The last I heard, no bank in existence is obligated to let me open an account. They don't even have to give a reason!
"I want them to fire those two people"
Let me see if I get this right: She objects to Muslims being suspected of terrorism and demands people give Muslims the benefit of the doubt. Yet she has decided that failure to give her an account was definitely discrimination (instead of misunderstanding bank policies) and demands these employees be fired instead of given the benefit of the doubt. Isn’t that a tad hypocritical?
Those in banking know that there are new regulations amounting to about 16 ft of documents in tiny 8pt type having to do with Homeland Security and Patriot Act. There is great federal and state pressure to follow every rule when in some kind of regulated business...you err on the side of caution because one uncrossed “t” could get you shut down.
Branch #1 erred on the side of caution, Branch #2 might not know all the regs.
"I want them to fire those two people, this is what I want. It's the only thing that can make me feel better," Harit said
Oh really?
Fatiha is working to become a U.S. citizen "It makes me feel I want to go back to my country," Harit said.
Fatiha Harit please leave the USA and don't let the door hit you in your arse. WE don't need Muslim women trying to boss American people around here either. You want to fire people who were ill informed about how to handle your account on the reason you are from a terrorist country?
Please stop calling terrorism of the Muslim people. We are not bad people," Harit said. It is a negative experience that has changed her forever
Oh baloney, I think she is just rude and sees a chance for some media exposure. How on earth has it changed her forever? Where is her compassion for the bank employee'.......Isn't she of the religion of Peace? NOT!
Posted by Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 12:40 AM
Comments
...she is a two-bagger big time! Or an X-Lg Burka?
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at November 3, 2007 05:46 AM
Every company in the US who serves the public HAS the RIGHT to deny business to anyone for ANY reason, including Americans!
But we've grown into this "coddle" everybody stage in our lives, so we have to apologize for everything.
I'm tired of apologizing for something that's beyond my control but something thinks I control it.
If you don't like our way of doing business, too bad. It's our way.
And it had nothing to do with what you were wearing!
Islam is NOT a religion of Peace. Go and reread your Koran. You obviously don't understand it.
Next, she'll be suing for multi millions if they don't fire those two workers for following the rules.
Posted by: Lynn at November 3, 2007 06:11 AM
Tsk, tsk maybe she should have gone to The Bank of America, afterall, they give out cards and accounts to Illegal Mexicans and every other freeloader they can drag off the street.
The great Bank Robber, Willie Sutton was asked, Why he robbed Banks , he said, "Because that's where the money is".
Why is she stuck on one Bank, ... as WT said, this is just a way to get her ugly moslem mug in the papers. Then suddenly she's a victim, and then all sorts of freebies will be thrown her way.
We are our own worst enemy.
Posted by: Mark at November 3, 2007 08:35 AM
I agree with WT...if you want to go back to your own country, just get the hell out. I'll buy your ticket.
ps. and I'll throw a party for the bank employees. Hooray for them!
Posted by: SSgt Steve, USMC(P) at November 3, 2007 09:06 AM
"Fatiha chose to stay with Union Bank because that is where her employer does their banking."
I wonder who her employer is? Kind of makes you wonder about the money laundering thing?
Posted by: BobF at November 3, 2007 09:29 AM
Morocco as her home residence? Always testing the system via the media. Come on!!! Send both halves of her back to Morroco in two rubber bags. Arnie will probably intercede anyway. If that bank caves in then all the other customers need to pull out and go to a different bank. You asked the right question Bob, who is her employer?
Posted by: Jack at November 3, 2007 01:55 PM
Darth, I wonder if she is one of those that will be contacting CAIR to file a complaint about that one bank. sheesh
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:07 PM
Lynn,I agree, I thought so too. When I had my gift shoppe, I had a sign up behind the desk where I sat and it said that..." I have the right to refuse service to anyone." No one complained and everyone understood.
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:10 PM
Mark, good point,yes ole Bank of America is not concerned with Homeland Security or illegals either.
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:11 PM
SSgt Steve, USMC, great idea and I will help with the party whatever you need me to do. :)
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:47 PM
Bob your right, I wonder too.
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:48 PM
Jack yes Arnie more then likely will cave in. sheesh
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 3, 2007 03:51 PM
If she wants to go back to her country, then by all means, she should pack her bags and git.
Posted by: rigger45 at November 4, 2007 12:20 AM
