religion

One of a well known issues in

workplace diversity.
substantial rise in the number of complaints of workplace harassment
or discharge due to religion
In US, particular attention was given to :
Muslims
Hindu
Buddhist
Sikh
Other minority traditions
The famous Hijab cases.
For some Muslim women, the wearing of a
religious headscarf (hijab) has brought
repercussions in the workplace.
Their religious attire conflicts with
company dress code or have been
assigned tasks in the back of the store,
beyond public view.
Women who apply for employment
wearing the headscarf face discrimination
in hiring, much of which may go
undocumented.
 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964 :
prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because
of their religion in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of
employment.
requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious
practices of an employee or prospective employee, unless doing so
would create an undue hardship upon the employer. (applies not only
to schedule changes or leave for religious observances, but also to
religious dress or grooming practices)
 2004 - A long standing court case involving Sikh Traffic Enforcement
Agents in New York City was resolved - Sikh officers would not be
fired for violations of dress code.
May 2012 - Centre for Constitutional Rights led to the change in MTA
policy; in the MTA announced that it would change the uniform policy
to accommodate Sikh and Muslim employees.
January 2014 - U.S. Defence Department released regulations
ensuring the rights of all religious-minority service members to
display their beliefs outwardlysuch as wearing a turban, scarf or
beardas long as the practices do not interfere with military
discipline, order or readiness.
How to overcome towards the
discrimination?
Offer training - discuss what is acceptable in terms of
discussing faith in the workplace.
Provide time off to employees for religious
reasons - who do not share the same faith, remind them
that several religious paid holidays, such as Christmas
Encourage employees to accept differences -
common ground can be reached once acceptance occurs
Avoid overreacting to simple issues that may arise.
Adopt a no-tolerance policy for severe issues.
In conclusion..