Bend dentist fined for forcing Scientology on employee

Posted: Updated: Oct 4, 2012 06:08 PM

By FOX 12 Staff - email

BEND, OR (KPTV) -

A Bend dentist is ordered to pay up for what is being called religious discrimination.

Dr. Andrew W. Engel is under fire for ordering an employee to attend a three-day Scientology affiliated symposium. The former employee says she was told she would be fired if she didn't take part. She fled the practice instead.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries found that Engel "badgered" the dental hygienist to convince her to attend the required training. He is accused of brushing aside the hygienist's concerns that her Christian beliefs conflict with Scientology.

Now, Engel has been ordered to pay $350,000 in damages. The former employee says she lost wages, health benefits and even had to move out of state to find a new job.

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Bend dentist fined for forcing Scientology on employee - KPTV - FOX 12

Bend dentist fined for forcing Scientology on employee

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