Religious Discrimination

Your Religious Beliefs Are Protected

State and federal law prohibits employers from discrimination on the basis of one’s religion. Yet religious culture and corporate culture sometimes clash, and employees find themselves harassed, treated unequally or even out of a job because of their religious beliefs or practice.

At Sack & Sack, Attorneys at Law, we have represented employees across New York City who have experienced religious discrimination in hiring, on the job or in wrongful termination. We strive to hold employers accountable for violating the constitutional and civil rights of our clients. If you believe you have been mistreated or denied reasonable accommodation of religious practices, contact us today for a free consultation.

New York City Religious Discrimination Attorneys

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifically outlaws discrimination on the basis of religion and national origin. The courts have consistently ruled in favor of workers, as an extension of their First Amendment religious rights:

• You cannot be denied employment because of your religious beliefs or affiliations (Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, etc.)
• You cannot be discriminated against because your name, country of origin or physical features are associated with a particular religion.
• You cannot be terminated when an employer discovers your religious persuasion.
• Employers must make reasonable accommodations for religious customs and practices
• Employers cannot harass you about your beliefs or condone such harassment by co-employees.

Many of our cases revolve around modesty of dress and other religious beliefs that clash with the employer’s rules:

• A Seventh Day Adventist who refused to trade her skirt for her employer’s uniform of pants and shirt
• Muslim women forbidden to wear burkas or head scarves at work
• Many Jewish or Adventist clients who won’t work Saturdays in observance of their Sabbath
• Muslim clients not provided breaks or a private space for prayers during work hours

Our goal is to encourage resolution between employers and employees where possible. However, when the discrimination continues or the employer refuses to make accommodations, we are prepared to bring suit before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or in state or federal court. We have prevailed in high-profile religious discrimination lawsuits throughout New York City and Long Island.

Common Examples Of Religious Discrimination In The Workplace

There are many examples of religious discrimination at work. Religious discrimination can come from co-workers who create a hostile work environment or from the business itself. 

One of the most common forms of workplace religious discrimination is the refusal to provide reasonable accommodations. Workers who must attend religious services on the Sabbath, for example, should be able to maintain a consistent schedule that allows them to attend religious services without work interfering with the observance of their faith. 

Others may require breaks to pray while on the job in some cases. They may also need to take leave on certain holy days for special services. Denying workers reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship for the company is a common form of religious discrimination. 

At times, workplace religious discrimination might involve the company prohibiting religious clothing or hairstyles. Some faiths require head coverings, such as the turbans/dastaar that members of the Sikh faith wear. Some religions prohibit members from cutting their hair short or removing facial hair. Employers should not adopt dress codes or appearance policies that prohibit religious clothing or hairstyles without a legitimate need.

Even if the company allows you to conform to the grooming and clothing requirements of your religion, co-workers might harass you due to your visible expressions of your faith. Employers have an obligation to intervene to stop harassment that targets a worker based on their constitutionally protected expression of their faith. 

Employers should not retaliate against workers by firing them, demoting them or refusing them opportunities because they request accommodations or report harassment related to their religion. Additionally, employers should not force employees to participate in religious activities or punish them for refusing to participate in group prayers or attend services of a faith other than the one they practice. 

Such conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the basic rights of the employees. Religious discrimination can impact members of any religion, as well as those who do not have strong religious beliefs but work with people who do. 

If you believe that your co-workers have created a hostile work environment or your employer has actively discriminated against you because of your religion, you need support from an attorney. Our team at Sack & Sack, Attorneys at Law can help you document what occurred and assert your religious rights. 

We Understand How Important Your Religion Is To You

We will help you protect your rights in these cases. Call us at 212-702-9000 or contact us online if you have been adversely affected by religious intolerance in the workplace. We will explain your rights in a free, no-obligation consultation.