Religious Discrimination and Accommodation at Work
Federal law protects your right to practice your religion at work.
Title VII's Religious Protections
Title VII prohibits discrimination based on religion, including sincerely held moral or ethical beliefs. The Supreme Court's 2023 Groff v. DeJoy decision raised the accommodation standard, requiring employers to show substantial increased costs to deny accommodations.
Religious Accommodations
Common accommodations include flexible scheduling for religious observances, permission for religious attire and grooming, prayer time and space, dietary accommodations, and exemptions from conflicting duties.
Forms of Religious Discrimination
Refusing to hire based on religion, firing for religious practices, harassment, segregation, requiring or penalizing religious activities, and denying opportunities based on religious expression.
Asserting Your Rights
Inform your employer in writing about your belief and needed accommodation. If denied, ask for specific reasons. Document all communications. File an EEOC charge if unresolved.
Think You Have a Case?
This article is for informational purposes. For advice specific to your situation, speak with an experienced employment attorney at no cost.
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