In the U.S., all workers have a right to a safe work environment without hostility or discrimination. When it comes to your religious beliefs or faith, your employers, supervisors and coworkers cannot treat you differently.
Religion is a protected class and unfair treatment based on your beliefs falls under the category of religious discrimination.
Unequal treatment
To prove religious discrimination, you must prove that your employer treated you differently because of your beliefs and practices. Unequal treatment can manifest in various ways, such as unequal pay, denial of promotions or your employer asking you to do less desirable tasks than other employees because of your religious affiliation. Unequal treatment may begin shortly after you reveal your religion.
Hostility at work
A hostile work environment can include derogatory remarks, comments or jokes about your faith. The hostility can come from superiors, colleagues and even clients and customers. Remember that a bad, one-time joke does not constitute workplace hostility. However, if people continue to make jokes at your expense, it becomes harassment and discrimination.
Inflexible work policies
You have a right to make reasonable accommodation requests based on your faith. For example, suppose you must wear specific attire or need special scheduling for religious holidays. In that case, your employer cannot deny you because he or she does not agree with your religious beliefs. Too much rigidity beyond reasonable rigidity may indicate religious discrimination.
If you notice that people of different faiths receive different or better treatment than you do, you may have a claim of religious discrimination against your employer. All employers must foster a safe, accepting environment for all employees.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed