California Religious Discrimination Attorney

Protecting Your Rights Against Workplace Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably due to his or her religious beliefs. Fortunately, the law protects those who belong to traditional religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, etc.) and those who have sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs.

At Polaris Law Group, our Northern California employment lawyer is committed to protecting your rights. With more than 25 years of legal experience, he can thoroughly review your case and determine your available legal options. Do not let another day go by where you are being subjected to harassment and discrimination based on your religious beliefs.

• Related: 4 Steps to Take If You Are Dealing with Workplace Discrimination

Are you experiencing religious discrimination at work? Call Polaris Law Group today at (888) 796-4010 or contact us online to speak with our California religious discrimination lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Recognizing and Addressing Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

The law prohibits discrimination in any regard to any aspect of employment, such as:

• Hiring
• Firing
• Pay
• Training
• Promotions
• Benefits
• Job assignments
• Other terms or conditions of employment.

It is also illegal to harass an individual due to their religion. Some examples of discrimination based on religion include:

• Setting work schedules that do not allow employees to take off critical religious holidays
• Refusing to hire employees due to their religion
• Paying employees different salaries due to their religion
• Creating a mandatory dress code that negatively impacts those who wear specific clothing as part of their faith

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids job segregation based on religion, including wearing religious apparel and grooming practices. An employer must reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices.

The law doesn’t protect a person against simple teasing, offhand remarks, and isolated incidents. Harassment involves frequent and severe torment that creates a hostile work environment. Harassment also involves adverse employment decisions (being fired or demoted) due to discriminatory factors.

What to Do if You Experience Religious Discrimination at Work

If an employee believes they are being discriminated against due to their religion, it is crucial to take prompt and appropriate action. Initially, the employee should document all instances of the alleged discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses or evidence. This documentation can be vital in supporting their claim. Next, the employee should review their company's policies on discrimination and follow the internal procedures for reporting such incidents. This typically involves notifying a supervisor, human resources, or the designated compliance officer within the organization.

If the internal process does not resolve the issue or the employee feels uncomfortable reporting it internally, they should consider filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies are responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and can investigate the complaint. Additionally, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney specializing in employment discrimination, such as our religious discrimination lawyer, can provide valuable guidance and protect employee rights.

Are Employers Required to Accommodate Employees’ Religious Practices?

Yes, employers are generally required to accommodate employees' religious practices as long as the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the business. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for an employee's religious beliefs and practices, such as allowing flexible scheduling, providing time off for religious observances, or permitting religious attire or grooming practices.

If accommodating an employee's religious practice imposes more than minimal costs or significantly disrupts business operations, the employer may claim undue hardship. Both employers and employees should engage in an open dialogue to find a feasible solution that respects religious practices while maintaining workplace efficiency. Seeking legal advice from an experienced religious discrimination lawyer can help navigate these situations and ensure compliance with the law.

The Role of Religious Discrimination in Retaliation Claims

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their legal rights, such as reporting religious discrimination. Employees are protected under federal and California laws from retaliation after they report discrimination or file a complaint with an employer or governmental agency, like the EEOC. Retaliatory actions may include:

• Termination or firing 
• Demotion or reassignment to less favorable roles
• Denial of promotions or career advancement opportunities
• Negative performance reviews without justification
• Creating a hostile work environment through harassment or increased scrutiny

If you suspect retaliation tied to your religious beliefs or practices, taking immediate action is essential. Documenting any retaliatory actions is crucial for building your case. You may have additional claims for retaliation that can be pursued alongside your religious discrimination case.

Contact Our California Religious Discrimination Lawyer Today

At Polaris Law Group, our legal team can investigate your claims and collect the evidence necessary to develop an effective and personalized legal strategy. Our team is dedicated to eliminating workplace discrimination once and for all. Whether we reach a settlement inside or outside of court, we will protect your rights every step of the way.

Don't wait to take action if you believe you have faced religious discrimination. Contact our California religious discrimination attorney to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.

Suggested Reading:

• How Can You Tell If You Were Discriminated Against for Your Religion?