Written by Don Byrd
Via Religion Clause, a federal court in New Jersey ruled a workplace discrimination lawsuit can proceed against Dollar General for refusing to accommodate the plaintiff’s religious mandate not to work on Saturday. The suit is proceeding not as a civil rights case at this time (though the plaintiff is allowed to resubmit his complaint to properly allege that claim), but as a breach of contract. He claims he and his employer entered into an agreement to allow him not to work on Saturdays in accordance with his faith.
Sadly, I could post a story about such a lawsuit at least once a week. A new survey from the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding shows a disturbingly high level of religious discrimination in the workplace across the country.
Today, more than one-third of workers report observing or being subjected to religious bias at work. The survey, “What American Workers Really Think About Religion: Tanenbaum’s 2013 Survey of American Workers and Religion,” examines religious bias and discrimination against American workers.
“This survey puts employers on notice,” said Tanenbaum CEO Joyce Dubensky. “American workplaces increasingly reflect the makeup of the country; they’re more and more diverse. Work is the place where people with extremely different beliefs interact on a regular basis. But where there’s more diversity, the survey shows that we can expect to find more conflict.”
The study emphasizes that workers of all faiths (and no faith) are all subject to discrimination and harassment in the workplace, from employers and co-workers alike. As the nation’s diversity continues to grow, religious conflict remains a constant threat. What is the answer? Employers should set a high standard. Employees should be well-trained and held accountable. Is that enough?
You can read survey details here.
