Written by Don Byrd
Are you a high school junior or senior who could use up to $2,000 as you prepare for college? Or do you know someone who is? With a little time off over the holidays, I know just how you (or the high school student in your life) might want to spend the break and maybe earn some scholarship money in the process!
The Baptist Joint Committee is once again sponsoring a religious liberty essay contest for high school juniors and seniors. The grand prize is $2,000 and a trip for two to Washington, D.C. Second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $250. Here is the topic for the 2015 essay:
Under federal law, employers cannot discriminate on the basis of religion — and other protected categories — when hiring if they have 15 or more employees. A conflict can arise when an employer refuses to allow an employee to wear religious clothing at work or refuses to hire someone because of such attire.
For example, clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch claimed its “look policy” allowed it to not hire a Muslim woman who wanted to wear a hijab — or head scarf — on the sales floor.
In an essay, discuss whether and to what extent an employer should be able to dictate an employee’s attire — such as denying an employee’s request to wear religious garb.
Should the image or brand the employer portrays with a dress code trump the employee’s religious expression? What are the broader implications for religious liberty?
A great place to start for information is the podcast with BJC Education and Outreach Specialist Charles Watson Jr. you can find at the bottom of the BJC’s essay contest page here.
Entries must be mailed to the Baptist Joint Committee and postmarked by March 6, 2015, to be eligible. Click here to download entry forms, containing complete rules and details. You can also download a flyer to tell others about the contest.
Spread the word!
