How to Handle Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

Freedom of religion is a constitutional right—but that freedom must also be respected in the workplace. If your employer is treating you unfairly because of your religious beliefs, attire, or practices, you may be a victim of religious discrimination. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we help New Jersey workers fight back against bias and secure the accommodations and respect they are legally entitled to.

What Is Religious Discrimination?

Religious discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their religious beliefs or practices. This may include:

• Refusing to accommodate religious dress or grooming (e.g., hijabs, turbans, beards)
• Denying time off for religious holidays or observances
• Harassing or mocking an employee’s religion
• Retaliating against an employee who requests a religious accommodation

Both federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) make such behavior illegal. These laws apply to all employers in New Jersey, regardless of company size.

Religious Accommodations: Your Legal Right

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs and practices unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on business operations. Common accommodations include:

• Flexible scheduling to allow prayer or religious observance
• Modifying dress codes to permit religious attire
• Permitting job duty swaps for religious observance conflicts

Failure to consider or implement such accommodations may be a violation of your rights.

What to Do If You’re Being Discriminated Against

If you’re facing religious discrimination in the workplace, you should:

1. Document the behavior: Keep records of incidents, dates, people involved, and any communication regarding your requests or complaints.
2. File a complaint: Use your employer’s HR process to formally report the issue.
3. Consult an employment lawyer: An attorney can help determine whether your rights have been violated and guide you through your legal options.

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’ve helped employees across the state protect their religious freedom at work and recover compensation for illegal treatment and retaliation.

To learn more, visit our article on how to address religious discrimination at work.

Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC

Address: 101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300, Roseland, NJ 07068

Phone: (973) 358-7027

You have the right to practice your faith without fear of punishment or exclusion. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is here to help ensure your rights are respected in every New Jersey workplace.