Article 15
Dr. House slayer
- Jul 4, 2008
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Almost two decades ago, Tashima Crudup left her grandmother's home and entered the city's foster care system, where she learned firsthand what makes a good mother.
As she shuffled from family to family beginning at age 8, Crudup encountered some attentive and loving foster parents, while others were unsupportive and constraining.
"I always wanted to be a foster parent," said the 26-year-old mother of five.
n July, Crudup a practicing Muslim contacted Contemporary Family Services, a private company authorized by the state to place foster children with families. She cleared an initial screening process and completed 50 hours of training classes for prospective parents. But after a home visit, her application was denied.
The main reason: She doesn't allow pork in her house.
Shocked, Crudup contacted the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, which filed a complaint Wednesday with the Baltimore City Community Relations Commission, claiming religious discrimination.
"I have a hard time believing [the company] denies every vegetarian or Orthodox Jewish person a foster care license," said Ajmel Quereshi, an attorney with the ACLU. "But I do believe Mrs. Crudup was picked out here and it has led us to believe an anti-Muslim bias is playing a role in the decision."
ACLU: Foster mother rejected for not serving pork - Baltimore Sun
Here's copy of the letter she received:
Dear Mr. Moore and Ms. Crudup,
Thank you for your interest in becoming licensed treatment foster parents with Contemporary Family Services, Inc. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to approve your home for licensure.
We are denying your application because of concerns raised by statements made during the home study interview, specifically your explicit request to prohibit pork products within your home environment. Although we respect your personal/religious views and practices, this agency must above all ensure that the religious, cultural and personal rights of each foster child placed in our case are upheld. Your statement indicates that there could potentially be a discrepancy between your expectations and the needs and personal views of a child placed in your care.
Should you wish to appeal this denial decision, you must submit a written request for an appeal, which must be received within 45 days of this notice, to:
[Name and address omitted EV]
Sincerely,
[Name omitted EV]
The Volokh Conspiracy A Religious, Cultural, and Personal Right To Eat Bacon ? Even When Your Foster Parents Don?t Allow It in Their Home