Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
State and federal employment laws provide workers with a number of protections. Among these is the right to a safe work environment, and one that is free of harassment or discrimination. Under federal law, workers cannot face discrimination on the basis of conditions such as age, gender, race, disability, and religion.
Despite clear legal regulations, religious discrimination in the workplace is not uncommon. Workers who have faced discrimination, harassment, or mistreatment on the basis of their religion may be due substantial compensation for related damages. Workplace discrimination lawyers from Chanfrau & Chanfrau, who serve Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, can assist victims of discrimination in holding liable employers accountable.
Protections from Religious Discrimination
Protections from religious discrimination in the workplace are provided under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits federal agencies from discriminating against employees or job applicants on the basis of their religion.
A person’s religious beliefs cannot be a factor in making any decisions regarding hiring, firing, or any other terms or conditions of employment. Furthermore, Title VII requires that, upon notice of a request, employers provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, provided the accommodation does not place an undue hardship on the employer.
It is important to note that Title VII does not just apply to mainstream religions. While workers who belong to well-known and organized religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism are protected from workplace discrimination, the law also applies to those who have sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs that are not associated with an organized religion.
Examples of Workplace Discrimination
Religious discrimination in the workplace is likely underreported, since many people do not realize the full extent of actions and decisions that can be classified as discrimination. Employers should not make any decisions pertaining to employment on the basis of religion. Potential examples of religious discrimination in the workplace include:
- Refusing to hire an applicant because of their religion
- Firing or laying off an employee due to their religious beliefs
- Denying a promotion or job training due to religion
- Treating an applicant or employee poorly because of their religious beliefs
- Harassing an employee because of their religion
- Failing to provide reasonable accommodations
- Making decisions regarding pay or fringe benefits on the basis of religion
What to Do if You Have Experienced Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
Religious discrimination in the workplace is illegal and it should be reported as soon as possible. In addition to reporting suspected discrimination to a company’s human resources department, affected workers should contact a knowledgeable workplace discrimination lawyer.
The lawyers at our Daytona Beach law firm have a thorough understanding of employment laws. They work diligently to hold liable employers accountable so that our clients can be justly compensated for damages related to religious discrimination in the workplace.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you consider whether you have grounds to file a lawsuit. To discuss the details of your situation with our legal team, contact our law firm online, or call (386) 258-7313.