Violations of Religious Freedom in the Workplace

When hiring, promoting, firing, recruiting, or disciplining an employee, it is illegal to treat them differently based on their religion. This also applies to assigning projects or providing benefits. In addition, employers are not allowed to harass employees based on their religious beliefs or retaliate against employees for reporting instances of religious discrimination.

Accommodating Religious Practices

In order to encourage diverse work environments, companies should accommodate reasonable religious requests.
Some common accommodations include:

⦁ Allowing alterations to a dress code to permit religious clothing such as hijabs, skull caps, beards, or turbans
⦁ Allowing employees observance of a Sabbath
⦁ Allowing reasonable breaks for prayer or other religious practices
⦁ Allowing employees to work a schedule that permits them to observe holy days or attend a place of worship

When it comes to the observance of holy days, employers can refuse requests for time off if it will cause them “undue hardship.” Employers can also request that the employee make up work hours at a different time, take the time as unpaid, or use paid time off.

Let Us Be Your Warriors

You deserve to exercise your rights. When your boss refuses to give you the treatment you are entitled to, take action. Let us be your guides and protectors, to better your workplace environment. You could be the voice that frees others at your company from similar mistreatment and promotes fairness.