Religious Discrimination

Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, and it also requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of an employee or applicant, unless to do so would create an undue hardship on the employer. Flexible scheduling, voluntary swaps, job reassignments and lateral transfers are examples of accommodation.

Employers cannot schedule examinations or other selection activities in conflict with a current or prospective employee’s religious needs, inquire about an applicant’s future availability at certain times, maintain a restrictive dress code, or refuse to allow observance of a Sabbath or religious holiday, unless the employer can show that it would create an undue hardship.

An employer can claim undue hardship if allowing the accommodation would result in more than ordinary administrative costs. Like all other forms of discrimination, harassment based on religion also is prohibited.

EEOC Facts About Religious Discrimination