Nurse Challenges Dismissal Over Surgical Cap at Paris Hospital, Citing Discrimination

Majdouline B., a nurse at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, is contesting her dismissal after she was terminated on November 10, 2025, for repeatedly refusing to remove her surgical cap. The dismissal followed a year of disciplinary action including six summonses, with hospital management arguing that her head covering violated public service neutrality and hygiene rules. They alleged the cap use was linked to religious beliefs, infringing on the secular nature of the public service, as outlined in a 2023 secularism guide. However, Majdouline B. has denied any religious motivations, stating her choice was personal and non-religious.

Her lawyer, Me Lionel Crusoé, highlighted that there are no specific laws or departmental regulations prohibiting the wearing of a surgical cap in her internal medicine unit. The hospital justified its position by citing hygiene protocols and recommendations from a 2014 committee on hospital-acquired infections, which restrict head coverings outside certain areas like operating rooms. Majdouline emphasized her professional contributions, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, and pointed out that other female staff wore similar head coverings for various reasons.

She expressed confusion and frustration at the sudden dispute over her appearance, calling the dismissal discriminatory and unrelated to her skills or performance. A court ruling on the case is anticipated within one to two weeks, which will shed more light on the balance between institutional neutrality, hygiene standards, and individual rights in France's public healthcare sector.