Religious discrimination in the workplace is, unfortunately, a far more common issue than most people realize. Not only can it have a serious impact on a person’s ability to work, but it can also have consequences that reverberate into a victim’s personal life. But what is religious discrimination, and how can you deal with it if you experience it in the workplace?
What is Religious Discrimination?
Religious discrimination, in the context of employment law, refers to any situation where someone is mistreated or suffers professional consequences due to their faith. This discrimination may involve intentional acts of bigotry against workers of certain faiths, or it can be an unintended consequence of seemingly non-discriminatory policies. Regardless of why it happens, however, it is still incredibly harmful.
What Does Religious Discrimination Look Like?
Religious discrimination can take many potential forms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Making inappropriate jokes about a person’s faith
- Using insults, slurs, or other targeted offensive language
- Paying people less or granting them fewer benefits due to their faith
- Refusing to grant promotions or raises based on their faith
- Refusing to grant paid time off or sick leave
- Refusing to grant time off for religious observances
- Scheduling company events during religious holidays or events
- Failing to grant legally required exemptions for dress codes or other company policies
- Retaliating for reporting discrimination against oneself or others
What Are the Effects of Discrimination?
When people are impacted by religious discrimination, the results can be potentially devastating. In the short term, it can result in reduced income, fewer benefits, and a loss of professional opportunities. In the long term, it can substantially impair a person’s quality of life, and leave them emotionally scarred for years afterwards.
What Should You Do if You Experience Discrimination?
If you or someone you love has been the victim of employment discrimination, you may have legal options available. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling employment law matters, such as Steve Sack. He can help you review the facts of your case and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
Steven Mitchell Sack, the Employee’s Lawyer, is a New York employment lawyer with more than 45 years’ experience handling the many aspects of employment law. His new book, “Fired!: Protect Your Rights & FIGHT BACK If You’re Terminated, Laid Off, Downsized, Restructured, Forced to Resign or Quit,” is available in hardback, and contains valuable advice on dealing with employment and labor law issues. To purchase the book, feel free to contact Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or visit the website at legalstratpub.com. To inquire about a legal matter, please feel free to contact attorney Steven Sack at 917-371-8000 or stevensackatty@hotmail.com.
