If a person is treated adversely at work because of their religious convictions, it is known as religious discrimination. This can happen to both an applicant for a job or an employee. The legislation in the USA protects not only employees who practice conventional religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism, but also individuals who belong to other organizations who have differing religious, moral, or ethical opinions. A person may also be subjected to religious discrimination if they are treated poorly because they are married to or affiliated with a member of a specific faith.
What Does Religious Discrimination Look Like?
It is illegal to harass a person because of his or her religion. This could include offensive remarks about an individual’s religious beliefs or practices. Even though the law doesn't forbid simple teasing, comments that are offhand, or isolated events that aren't that serious. Harassment due to one’s religion is illegal when it happens on a regular basis or it is so severe that a hostile or offensive work environment is the result or when an adverse employment decision is made against an employee like being fired or demoted because of the employee’s religion. There are several examples of religious discrimination which includes:
- clothing requirements that violate religious practices
- hinder promotion based on religious practices
- lower compensation because of religion
- prohibiting time for religious observance
- unjust dismissal of an employee due to religion
- verbal or physical harassment such as bullying
Religious discrimination is when a person is treated unfavorably whether it is an employee or an applicant for a job because of his or her religion or religious beliefs. The law not only protects individuals people who are members of traditional, organized religions, like Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism, but also others who hold ethical, religious, eor moral beliefs. Religious discrimination could also involve treating somebody differently because the person is married to or has links with someone of a particular religion.
What To Do if You Have Experienced Religious Discrimination at Work
Fortunately, if you can prove you have been subjected to discrimination due to your religion in the workplace you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). You will need to gather evidence such as that from eye witnesses who saw your discrimination, emails sent to you by a harasser including your employer, text messages or phone messages subjecting you to discrimination. Once you have collected sufficient proof you should speak with a lawyer who will help you file a complaint with the EEOC.
Speak With an Employment Law Attorney
As long as you have all the evidence proving your religious discrimination at work an attorney will be able to help you get your claim on track and will gather supporting evidence and documentation. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to determine how to proceed with your religious discrimination claim.
