A former technician at a dental clinic at Fort Meade, Maryland, claims that her coworkers discriminated against her for her Hindu faith and accused her of "witchcraft" and "bringing demons into the office."
The Air Force Times reported that former Air Force contractor Deborah Schoenfeld alleges she was fired from her position at the Epes Dental Clinic when she complained about the discrimination.
The founder and president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which is representing Schoenfeld, penned a letter to military officials Monday during which he argued the discrimination violated Defense Department and Air Force directives as well as the U.S. Constitution.
"An incredibly volatile, hostile and toxic evangelical Christian work environment under your direct command has resulted in the pernicious harassment, disenfranchisement, and firing of a once valued member of your team," wrote Michael "Mikey" Weinstein in the letter, detailing the alleged harassment.
Weinstein said that Schoenfeld practices Hindu and "has interest in Wiccan practices."
According to the letter, staff at the dental clinic accused Schoenfeld of "witchcraft" and "bringing demons into the office." Employees also allegedly labeled her yoga practice "satanic." According to Schoenfeld, she was fired from the practice for using profanity after filing a complaint about the harassment.
"Her career has been unjustly and abruptly derailed and terminated by a literal ‘witch hunt’ within your command," Weinstein wrote, claiming that witnesses at the dental clinic had corroborated Schoenfeld’s account.
"We have spoken with witnesses at the clinic under your command who have universally confirmed that ... a particular offending party has effusively celebrated her replacement by a Catholic woman by saying publicly that ‘It’s good to see we got an angel, since last time we had the devil,’" he revealed.
Two unnamed coworkers reportedly confirmed Schoenfeld’s accusations, one of whom said she was labeled a "Hindu witch." The Air Force District of Washington is currently probing the matter.
"The Air Force thoroughly reviews all instances in which airmen report concerns regarding religious freedoms or accommodations," spokesman Maj. Joel Harper said Monday.
"Mutual respect is an essential part of the Air Force culture. Supporting the right of free exercise of religion relates directly to the Air Force core values and the ability to maintain an effective team."