NJ Bank Removes Controversial Sign in Response to

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) ( www.adc.org ) welcomes the decision made by Century Savings Bank to remove a controversial sign requesting patrons to take off "headgear" before entering the bank. The sign included a picture of a woman wearing Islamic headgear (Hijab).

In a letter received by ADC today, Century Savings Bank's President and CEO informed us that effective Friday, October 4, 2013, the bank will be "removing all the "headgear" notices from all Century Savings Bank locations".

ADC President Warren David said, "We welcome Century Savings Bank in their decision to remove this discriminatory sign and call on all banks and financial institutions to follow their example." He went on to say, "The prohibition against persons wearing religious head coverings places an unconstitutional restraint on the freedom to exercise religion, a right guaranteed by the First Amendment."

The issue was brought to our attention by a local ADC supporter last month. ADC sent a fact finding delegation, led by one of our national board members, to verify the presence of the sign. Once verified, ADC sent a letter asking the bank to respect the fundamental freedom of those practicing religions requiring head coverings, including - but not limited to - Muslim women and Sikh men, by immediately removing the sign at this branch, and any similar signs at any of its other branches.

ADC calls on all our nation's banks and financial institutions to respect patrons' civil rights while implementing security policies such as "No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses." Such policies should not infringe on constitutionally protected rights.

For media inquiries, please contact Raed Jarrar, Director of Communications and Advocacy, at Media@ADC.org or (202)-644-9164