There are many ways someone can be discriminated against. One of the main areas of discrimination is workplace discrimination; workers can be harassed, denied work opportunities, or wrongfully discharged based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sex, or mental and physical disability. One other type of discrimination that can occur in the workplace is religious discrimination; this kind of prejudice is harder to spot than some others but can be damaging to a worker’s identity and work status. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking out for religious discrimination in your workplace:
How to Recognize it
The main way to recognize religious discrimination is to understand where religious accommodation is lacking. Every employer should have religious accommodations in place for when an employee needs them, and if there is a refusal to accommodate (or just general ignorance of these necessary adjustments), then you can file a workplace discrimination claim. If your employer is refusing to schedule changes or accommodate to their employee’s religious schedule, such as prohibiting leave for special religious holidays or ceremonies, they are discriminating. Employers must also make proper exceptions for dress codes and grooming rules and they should allow the necessary use of the work facility for any religious observances (including prayer and any other religious expression).
What are the Laws Protecting You?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 restricts any employers from discriminating against any employee based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Relating to religion, Title VII prohibits treating employees different based on religious beliefs, harassment of employees based on their religion, denial of requested and reasonable accommodation, or retaliation against an employee.
If you or another employee in your New Jersey workplace believes that they are being discriminated against for your religion, you have the right to file a claim and recover lost wages or benefits from your employer. Contact the lawyers at Spevack Law Firm to speak to one of our attorneys.
