What obligations do businesses have when it comes to avoiding religious discrimination?

The Supreme Court is expected to determine that, likely within the next few months. In the meantime, employers can avoid getting sued for religious discrimination by erring on the side of caution. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission protects applicants or employees from being discriminated against due to religious garb and grooming practices, and employers are expected to provide reasonable accommodation for an applicant or employee’s beliefs in regards to their appearance, provided that doing so does not provide “undue hardship” on the business. For all applicants, regardless of religion or appearance, companies should take care to ensure applicants are aware that a job offer is contingent on being able to perform essential job functions and meet conditions such as dress code. If it appears that an applicant may be in need of an exemption, the EEOC agrees that “the employer and the employee should engage in an interactive process to discuss the request” at the point of hire.]]>