Muslim pilot says he was fired in post-Sept. 11 backlash

ST. LOUIS -- A pilot for Trans States Airlines Inc. was fired a week after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks because of his Muslim religion and because he looked Middle Eastern, a federal agency claimed in a lawsuit filed Thursday.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Trans States on behalf of Mohammed Hussein, who is actually a native of Fiji. His application for U.S. citizenship was approved in April and he will become an American citizen at the next swearing-in ceremony, EEOC officials said.

The federal lawsuit filed in St. Louis claims Hussein was never given a reason for his firing and had an excellent work record. It seeks reinstatement, back wages and unspecified damages.

Officials at St. Louis-based Trans States did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Since the terrorist attacks, the EEOC has received more than 800 allegations nationwide of backlash discrimination against people who are Muslim or appear to be of Middle Eastern descent, St. Louis EEOC officials said. Six of the allegations have resulted in lawsuits.

"All Americans were horrified by the events of 9-11, but that can't excuse illegal behavior," said Lynn Bruner, director of the St. Louis EEOC office. "He shouldn't have to give up a job because of the way he looks or the religion he practices."

Hussein joined Trans States in February 2001. He was a first officer at the time of his firing. Since then, he has been unable to find a job as a pilot and works as a business manager, EEOC officials said.

"I have wanted to fly since I was a small boy," Hussein said in a statement. "After coming to America and realizing my dream, to have it snatched away because of my religion and how I look is just devastating. That is not America."

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.