Hoda* had spent years saving, and months researching the kind of car she wanted and was confident of her choice when she arrived at the AutoNation car dealership in Renton, Washington. Because of Islamic practices that prohibit going into debt, Hoda came with cash in-hand and all necessary paperwork to purchase the vehicle outright. However, the AutoNation dealer refused to sell Hoda the car unless she submitted to a credit and background check. Hoda correctly insisted that neither check was necessary, or even legal, as she was in no way applying for financing. The dealership, however, cited the Patriot Act as the reason for this "necessity"—a tactic commonly used to harass immigrants and those perceived to be Muslim.
I took on Hoda’s case and promptly issued a demand letter. I informed AutoNation that insisting on a credit check—and especially a background check—was both discriminatory and illegal, and I demanded an investigation into this practice. After agreeing to an internal investigation, AutoNation acknowledged that "discrimination may have occurred" and committed to proactively changing their policy, so that other clients wishing to pay in cash are not likewise submitted to discriminatory practices based on their presumed religion or immigration status. And, in the end, Hoda got her dream car!
*Story shared with permission, but name changed for security.