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Representing Employees Who Have Experienced Religious Discrimination

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or potential employee on the basis of religion. Individuals who have experienced this type of discrimination may be eligible for compensation.

What Is Religious Discrimination?

Federal and state laws generally make it illegal for employers to discharge, fail to promote, fail to hire or otherwise mistreat an individual because of his or her religious beliefs or observances. It is also religious discrimination when an employer fails to provide an employee with a requested reasonable religious accommodation.

What Religious Accommodations Are Employers Required to Provide?

An employer must make reasonable accommodations for an employee who wishes to observe religious holidays, wear religious clothing, or observe other religious practices as long as they do not create an undue hardship for the company. Examples of undue hardships include religious practices that cause security or health hazards, substantial costs to the company, or a lack of necessary staffing.

Common accommodations may include:

  • Exceptions to the company’s dress and grooming code such as allowing an employee to wear a religious headscarf (hijab) or skullcap (yarmulke), or allowing an employee to keep a long beard for religious reasons
  • Schedule accommodations for an employee to attend church services such as on Good Friday, or to allow daily prayers at specific times of the day
  • Change in job duties
  • Excusal from religious invocations at company meetings

Protecting Victims of Workplace Discrimination

If you have experienced religious discrimination, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg can help you explore your legal options and enforce your employee rights. To speak to an employment law attorney in Los Angeles, contact us online or call 323-302-4774. You can also reach us at our New York office by calling 212-202-2966.