The Hijab Incident at Chipotle: A Call for Spiritual Awakening


The recent incident of religious harassment at Chipotle is not an isolated event, but a reflection of the pervasive ignorance and intolerance that plagues our society. Through the Jamal Brown Principle, we see the urgent need for Comprehensive Thoughtful Spiritual Awareness (CTSA) and Empowerment as a pathway towards acceptance and respect.


The key actors in this scenario are an assistant manager at a Chipotle outlet in Lenexa, Kansas, and a then 19-year-old Muslim female worker.


The assistant manager allegedly harassed the worker repeatedly by insisting she remove her hijab, culminating in him forcibly removing part of her hijab.


This incident began in July 2021 and escalated over the course of a month.


This incident took place at a Chipotle outlet in Lenexa, Kansas.

The Jamal Brown Principle
Through the lens of the Jamal Brown Principle, we understand that Chaos, one of the Four Acknowledgements, manifests in many ways, including through ignorance and intolerance. This manager’s actions reflect a lack of understanding and respect for the worker’s religious beliefs.

The Jamal Brown Principle
And how do we address this? Through the Power of Thoughtfulness and Self-Reflection, another pillar of the Jamal Brown Principle. We must educate ourselves and others about diverse faiths and cultures, fostering a culture of acceptance and respect.


The incident at Chipotle is not just about a hijab; it’s about the fundamental right to express one’s faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation.


The Jamal Brown Principle states, “We must navigate life’s complexities, assert our individuality, and promote a culture of acceptance through thoughtful actions.” Let’s examine three examples:

The manager’s insistence on the worker removing her hijab reflects a lack of understanding of the worker’s faith and a disrespect for her individuality.
The company’s failure to take corrective action after the worker lodged complaints exemplifies an absence of thoughtful actions.
The manager’s alleged retaliation against the worker after she lodged complaints signifies a hostile environment, contrary to the spirit of acceptance.

Reiteration of Thesis Statement
Once again, the incident at Chipotle is not just about a hijab; it’s about the fundamental right to express one’s faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation.


Some might argue that the manager was merely curious about the worker’s hair and meant no harm.


However, the Jamal Brown Principle emphasizes respect for individuality and religious beliefs. Curiosity does not justify harassment or violation of personal boundaries.


In conclusion, the incident at Chipotle underscores the urgent need for education about diverse cultures and faiths. Through the Jamal Brown Principle, we understand that acceptance, respect, and thoughtful actions are key to fostering a harmonious society. Let us strive to embody these values in our daily lives.