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Religious Expression in the Workplace
Fostering Respect in a Diverse Workplace
June 27, 2013
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 2
The Law/Policy
Public versus Personal Space
Respect
Key Points - Religious Expression
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 3
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act requires employers to:
Provide a workplace free from religious discrimination (including harassment)
Provide reasonable accommodation for employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would impose an undue hardship
The Law - Religious Expression
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 4
System Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance
University Rule 08.01.01.M1, Civil Rights Compliance
The Law-Religious Expression
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 5
Not hiring an otherwise qualified applicant because of religious beliefs.
Deny a promotion to a qualified employee because the supervisor wants to give a preference based on religion to another employee.
Terminating an employee because they told their supervisor that they had converted to “______”.
Examples of Discrimination Based on Religion
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 6
Requiring an employee to abandon, alter or adopt a religious practice as a condition of employment
Subjecting an employee to unwelcome statements or conduct that is based on religion to the point that they find the work environment hostile and abusive
Examples of Harassment Based on Religion
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 7
Any adjustment to the work environment that will allow the employee to practice their religion unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.
Changes in work schedule Exceptions to dress code and appearance policy
Reasonable Accommodations-Religious Expression
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 8
Public Spaces
Religious symbols should not be displayed in public spaces
Could be viewed as University support for that religion
Holiday displays
Public versus Personal Spaces
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 9
Personal Workspaces
Religious symbols may be displayed in personal workspaces
Other considerations
Public versus Personal Spaces
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 10
“People may not remember what you say
People may not remember what you do
But they never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou
Golden Rule:
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Respect
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 11
1.Understand the law and policy
2. Know the difference between public and personal workspaces
3. It’s all about respect
Final Thoughts
Human ResourcesJune 27, 2013 | Page 12
Tom OwenDirector, HR Policy & Practice Review979.862.3331towen1@tamu.edu http://employees.tamu.edu/ppr/
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