What Constitutes Religious Discrimination in the Workplace?
Generally speaking, and subject to a very narrow religious organizations exemption applying only to specifically defined religious entities, religious discrimination under Title VII occurs when employers treat applicants or employees either less or more favorably because of any religious beliefs or practices. And, employers must reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs and/or practices unless doing so would impose an undo hardship. For example, an employer can’t: · Refuse to hire individuals based on their religious affiliations; · Impose stricter promotion requirements for a person with a certain religion; · Force employees to participate in any religious activities as a condition of employment; or · Impose different work requirements for an employee because of that employee’s religious beliefs or practices. Employers have to consider accommodating an employee’s religious beliefs or practices, regardless of whether or not they agree with the employee’s religious affiliat
