Attorney General Miyares Urges JPMorgan Chase to Stop Discriminating Against Customers Based on Faith, Political Affiliation

RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jason Miyares today joined 18 other attorneys general in sending a letter to JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Chase) urging the company to stop discriminating against customers due to their religious beliefs or political affiliations.

"It's ridiculous to imagine a bank discriminating against customers for their personal religious or political beliefs, which clearly conflicts with JPMorgan Chase's hypocritical public image of inclusivity," said Attorney General Miyares. "No one should be denied service or treated differently because of what they believe or how they worship."

In its public-facing statements, Chase professes openness and inclusivity. In their letter, the attorneys general argue that Chase "has not extended its openness and inclusivity to everyone,” and points out the company's pattern of targeting and denying service to religious and conservative-leaning customers, like the National Committee for Religious Freedom, which has a leadership made up of Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and people of various faiths. The coalition's letter also calls for greater transparency in how the bank treats viewpoint diversity.

The attorneys general are not alone in voicing their concerns. After a report revealed Chase has "unclear or imprecise policies” that allow it to "deny service for arbitrary or politically biased reasons,” the bank faced backlash from shareholders and outside groups for refusing to disclose and investigate such policies.

The coalition calls on Chase "to stop its religious and politically biased discrimination and start living up to its commitment to an inclusive society where everyone feels welcomed, equal, and included.” 

Attorney General Miyares joined attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia in sending the letter.

To view a copy of the letter, click here.

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