Delta and Atlantic Southeast sued for discrimination

Imams Masudur Rahman and Mohamed Zaghloul from Tennessee have filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines over claims they were discriminated against and not allowed to fly on a plane in May because of the way they looked.
The men claim they arrived at the Memphis, Tennesseee, International Airport on May 6, wearing traditional Muslim attire, including religious garb and headgear, when they were pulled aside at the gate waiting to board and told they would be subject to a random, secondary security check and search. Although the two men were then cleared to board, they were again approached on-board the aircraft to produce their photo identification and were once again cleared to fly. However, the complaint states, shortly after the plane began to taxi the runway, the pilot returned the aircraft to the gate where both men were ordered to collect their luggage and immediately leave the airplane.
"Atlantic Southeast and Delta oppose discrimination in any form from any source and our employees act at all times in the best interest of passenger safety and security. We cannot comment further on pending litigation," said Eric Torbenson, Delta Air Lines spokesman.
The men claim they were not given a reason to why they were not allowed to fly and while they were waiting for a Delta manager to see them, the aircraft left the gate. Although the pilot was ordered to return the aircraft to the gate, following a discussion with the Delta manager, the pilot was personally objecting to the plaintiffs being on his flight, claiming it would make the other passengers uncomfortable. The complaint states that none of the passengers stated that they felt uncomfortable and wanted to depart the aircraft for another flight when asked by a Delta manager, the aircraft still left without the two men.
The men are seeking compensatory and punitive damages against Delta and ASA.