Kansas City Religious Discrimination Lawyer

Religion and religious practices are serious topics that require sensitivity when discussing them in the workplace. Religion is one of many characteristics for which a person can experience discrimination. Discrimination at the workplace is unlawful, and religion is a protected characteristic like gender, race, and sexual orientation. However, that doesn’t stop employers or even fellow co-workers from treating their colleagues differently because of their faith. 

Religious discrimination contributes to a toxic workplace and hostile work environment. If you have encountered discrimination or harassment based on your religion, you should consider speaking to a religious discrimination lawyer. You may be entitled to recover damages as compensation for the treatment you have faced. 

What Constitutes Religious Discrimination in Kansas City?

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), religious discrimination is when a job applicant or employee is treated unfavorably because of their religious beliefs. Religious discrimination can also occur when someone is treated differently because they are married to (or affiliated with) someone who practices a specific faith. 

Like many other forms of bigotry, employees are protected from religious discrimination under the law. Legislation protects followers of traditional, organized religions as well as people with sincere religious, ethical, or moral beliefs. Discrimination in hiring, firing, salary, promotions, and any other aspect of employment is prohibited.

What Are Reasonable Accommodations for Religious Beliefs?

Legislation requires an employer or other covered organization to fully accommodate an employee’s religious views or practices unless doing so would create a significant burden on the employer’s business operations. This means that an employer may be obligated to make reasonable workplace adjustments to allow employees to practice their faith. Common examples of religious accommodations include:

• • Flexible scheduling: Employers can accommodate employee arrivals, departures, holidays, and work breaks.
  • Voluntary shift substitutions: Employees may find substitutes or swap shifts with co-workers if they need to miss work for religious observances.
  • Job reassignments: Employees may be able to adjust the task of their position or be given a lateral transfer.
  • Dress and grooming policies: Employees may wear head coverings, religious dress, or certain hairstyles that they have for religious reasons. This accommodation also allows employees to reject wearing certain garments that are prohibited in their religion. 

  If accommodating an employee’s religious beliefs and practices would cause undue hardship to the employer, that employer may not be required to carry out that accommodation. An accommodation may cause undue hardship if it can be characterized by any of the following attributes:

  • Expensive
  • Compromises workplace safety
  • Decreases workplace efficiency
  • Infringes on other employees’ rights
  • Burdens other employees with potentially hazardous or burdensome labor

  For example, if a religious garment could cause a safety hazard in an area with machinery, the employer does not have to permit that specific accommodation.

  What Are the Consequences of Religious Discrimination?

  If you’ve been the victim of discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation related to lost wages is typical in these cases. Wage compensation can include the wages lost from being wrongfully terminated and includes bonuses. Sometimes, religious discrimination can lead to you being denied a promotion or raise. In these cases, you may also be entitled to receive the pay you would have earned if your employer hadn’t discriminated against you. 

  You can also recover damages related to emotional distress by pursuing emotional compensation. Discrimination can negatively impact your mental health and cause emotional distress that may need to be addressed through professional mental health support. A jury determines these damages based on the facts and circumstances of the case where applicable. Typically, the amount of the damages corresponds to the severity of the conduct.

  How Can a Kansas City Religious Discrimination Lawyer Help?

  Opposing religious discrimination can be intimidating for someone attempting to do it alone. It can be empowering to have an experienced professional by your side helping you through the process. Religious discrimination lawyers have an in-depth understanding of employment law and experience handling religious discrimination cases. 

  A religious discrimination lawyer can help you file your lawsuit and defend you in court. They can also evaluate your case to advise you on the best course of action to resolve your legal issues.