What should I do if I believe that TSA screeners discriminated against me on the basis of my religion and/or ethnicity?

The conduct of the TSA personnel certainly seems to have been contrary to federal laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination and guarantee respect for religious and cultural customs during airport security screenings.  According to TSA, “[a]ll members of the traveling public are permitted to wear head coverings (whether religious or not) through the security checkpoints.  The new standard procedures subject all persons wearing head coverings to the possibility of additional security screening, which may include a pat-down search of the head covering.  Individuals may be referred for additional screening if the security officer cannot reasonably determine that the head area is free of a detectable threat item.  If the issue cannot be resolved through a pat-down search, the individual will be offered the opportunity to remove the head covering in a private screening area.”

Your screeners appear to have violated TSA policy by failing to seek your permission for a pat-down search at the security checkpoint before they detained you for the private screening and questioning.  You should consult with an experienced civil litigator (a civil rights specialist if possible) before you make any further statements to the airline or any government entities.  Your attorney can tell you if you have possible civil causes of action and/or federal civil rights claims against TSA for damages associated with your missed vacation.  Your attorney could also help you use administrative remedies to recover your lost money – for example, perhaps your remedy could be obtained through complaints to the Department of Homeland Security and/or TSA’s Office of Civil Rights.