TaskRabbit Advertiser Faces Legal Action for Excluding Jewish Customers

New Jersey's Division on Civil Rights issues a stern Notice of Violation to a gig worker for discriminatory practices, reinforcing state laws against religious discrimination.

Morristown, NJ: In a clear stance against discrimination, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has issued a Notice of Violation against Melquisedec Francis, a gig economy worker. Francis has been found in breach of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) by explicitly refusing service to Jewish customers.

The issue came to light after Francis advertised on TaskRabbit and other platforms, stating his intention not to provide services to the Jewish community. This violation was further evidenced in his LinkedIn postings, where he reiterated his discriminatory stance.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the severity of this issue. “There is no place for discrimination in New Jersey, be it based on religion, national origin, ancestry, or race. Acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of discrimination are unlawful, and we will not hesitate to take necessary actions against such practices,” Platkin affirmed.

Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, reiterated the state's commitment to enforcing anti-discrimination laws. “Our laws are clear and stringent against any form of discrimination in places of public accommodation. With the rise of antisemitic and anti-Muslim sentiments, we are taking swift enforcement actions to protect the civil rights of all our residents, including our Jewish and Muslim communities,” Iyer stated.

Under the LAD, it's unlawful for public accommodations to discriminate based on religion or other protected characteristics. The Notice of Violation against Francis demands immediate cessation of discriminatory postings and actions. It also requires him to adopt and publish a nondiscrimination policy, attend anti-Semitism and civil rights training sessions, and pay a penalty to the Division on Civil Rights.

This enforcement action serves as a reminder and warning to individuals and businesses about the serious legal consequences of discriminatory practices in New Jersey.

For more information on religious discrimination and individuals’ rights under the LAD, and to report any violations, residents can visit New Jersey's Office of the Attorney General website and the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights website.

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights remains dedicated to combating and remedying discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations throughout the state.