City of New York $4.375M Settlement for Forcible Hijab Removals

The City of New York has agreed to pay $4,375,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the law when it forced individuals to remove their religious head coverings for booking photographs during their arrest. This settlement benefits individuals who were forced to remove their hijabs while in the custody of the New York City Police Department from March 16, 2014, to August 23, 2021.

Who Benefits?: Anyone who was forced to remove a religious head covering for a post-arrest photograph while in custody of the New York City Police Department from March 16, 2014, to August 23, 2021.

How much can I get?: At least $7,824 per instance of forced removal.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: September 26, 2024
• Fairness Hearing: October 29, 2024

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for the settlement, you must be a Class Member. This includes all individuals who were forced to remove a religious head covering for a post-arrest photograph while in custody of the New York City Police Department from March 16, 2014, to August 23, 2021. If you received a mailed notice of the Settlement, then you may be a Class Member. However, even if you did not receive a mailed notice, you may still be a Class Member if you meet the criteria.

If you are not sure whether you are a Class Member, or have any other questions about the Settlement, you can visit the official settlement website or call the toll-free number 1-833-637-4794. You may also send questions to the Settlement Administrator at:

NYC Religious Headcovering Settlement

c/o Rust Consulting Inc.

PO Box 2805

Faribault, MN 55021-8610.

What Can I Get from the Settlement?

If the Settlement is approved and becomes final, it will provide benefits to Class Members. The City of New York will pay at least $7,824 per instance of forced removal to Class Members who file valid claims. Additionally, the City will cover the cost of notice to Class Members and costs to administer the Settlement up to $4,256,000, attorneys’ fees and costs, and special service payments of $35,000 each to both Class Representatives and $3,500 to $7,000 to each of the Class Members who were deposed as part of absent class discovery.

You can get at least $7,824 for each time the NYPD forced you to remove a religious head covering for a post-arrest photograph between March 16, 2014, to August 23, 2021. To get a payment, you must submit a valid Claim Form.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Class Members must submit a valid Claim Form to receive their payment. If the Class Member who is eligible to get money is now deceased, their payment will go to their estate’s legal representative, administrator, or heir. The representative will need to file a claim and provide documentation that the Class Member is deceased and that they are the estate representative.

How to Claim Your Award

To apply for a payment under the Settlement, you must submit a Claim Form online or by mail postmarked by September 26, 2024. You can get a Claim Form and other relevant documents at this URL, or by calling 1-833-637-4794.

Ensure that your Claim Form is filled out accurately and completely. If you have any questions about the claim process, you can contact the Settlement Administrator for assistance.

$4,375,000 Settlement Fund

The City of New York has agreed to pay $4,375,000 to settle the class action lawsuit. This amount includes payments to Class Members, costs of notice and administration, attorneys’ fees and costs, and special service payments to the Class Representatives and deposed Class Members.

Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount remaining after administrative costs and incentive awards are deducted from the Settlement Costs, which are $4,375,000. The City of New York will pay for any attorneys’ fees and costs and service awards that are approved by the Court in addition to the payments to the Class. Attorneys’ fees and costs will not reduce Class Members’ payments.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit claims that the City of New York violated the law when it forced individuals to remove their religious head coverings for booking photographs during their arrest. The City of New York denies the claims in this lawsuit and that it did anything wrong. However, both sides have agreed to a Settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a trial, and Class Members receive the benefits described in the notice.

The Court has not decided in favor of the Plaintiffs or the City of New York. Instead, both sides have agreed to a Settlement. By agreeing to the Settlement, they avoid the costs and uncertainty of a trial, and Class Members receive the benefits described in the notice. The proposed Settlement does not mean that any law was broken or that the City of New York did anything wrong. The parties believe that the Settlement is best for all Class Members.