How to Report Religious Discrimination

Employers may not discriminate against anyone on the basis of his/her religion. Civil rights laws also compel an employer to act when an employee complains of harassment from co-workers or supervisors in regard to religious beliefs. Employers have some leeway in terms of granting an employee time away from work for religious observance, they are required to make a reasonable attempt at accommodation of religious holidays and other practices.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Collect evidence of discrimination. Keep a written record of comments directed toward you--who said it and when. Also keep track of incidents that you feel are examples of discriminatory behavior by the company, such as refusal to accommodate some religious holidays but not others.

2. Seek help from a higher authority. In most cases, this would be your boss's supervisor. Experts say its best to bring the situation to the attention of those with the most power to correct it. But do talk to your immediate supervisor about the issue, especially if he or she is not part of the problem.

3. Get expert advice. There are a number of organizations out there that specialize in fighting all kinds of discrimination, and they can provide you with information. The American Civil Liberties Union has defended many religious discrimination cases, and the organization has offices in every state, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is a legal organization based in Washington D.C. that represents people in a range of religious discrimination cases across the country.

4. Go to your state office Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You can file a complaint against your company through the state EEOC, Your case will be assigned to a investigator, and the company will be notified of your complaint.

Tips & Warnings

• Educate your co workers. While some people are hostile to faiths different from their own, most people are simply ignorant. Be willing to answer questions about your faith when asked can sometimes make a difference. Don't get drawn into religious debates, however, since that is not your purpose for discussing your beliefs.
• Talk to others from your denomination about how they handle the situation. In some cases, school-age children often face more instances of religious discrimination than adults do. Find out if your church, synagogue or mosque can give you and your family support.

Resources

• Get facts from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
• American Civil Liberties Union

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