Your choice of religion should never have an impact on your experiences and opportunities in the workplace. This is a right that is protected through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Everyone has a personal standpoint when it comes to religion: They may be Muslim, Christian, agnostic or atheist. This means that, theoretically, anyone can become a victim of religious discrimination in the workplace. However, Muslims tend to have a higher probability of being subject to religious discrimination, accounting for almost 25 percent of all religious discrimination claims in 2009.
If you believe that you have been a victim of religious discrimination as a Muslim in the workplace, it’s a good idea to gain an understanding of how religious discrimination is defined under the law.
What actions are prohibited under anti-discrimination laws?
Generally speaking, employees have the right to not suffer in any way in the workplace due to their choice of religion. More specifically, this means that a person’s religion should never be a factor in the hiring process, and employees should not be favored over others due to their religious beliefs.
What is an example of religious discrimination against Muslims in the workplace?
Take, for example, an employer who is an atheist. They have two employees who are equally skilled and would both be appropriate choices for promotion. When deciding which employee to promote, the employer decides to choose the employee who is atheist rather than the employee who is Muslim, solely due to their belief that they will have more in common. This is a prime example of religious discrimination, and unfortunately, this type of behavior can be difficult to prove.
How can I build a convincing case when I believe I’ve been a victim of religious discrimination?
If you believe that you are vulnerable to discrimination in the workplace, you may want to start by keeping a diary of problematic interactions you have had. You may hear an insensitive joke or a remark made about religion that could help to give weight to a future claim.
It takes courage to stand up to workplace discrimination. But by understanding more about the law, you will be more empowered to assert your rights in Missouri.
