Our country was founded on certain freedoms, including the freedom of religion. Unfortunately, many people are discriminated against in the workplace simply because of their religion. If you believe your employer defied your freedom and discriminated against you due to your religion, you may have a valid claim. Reach out to our experienced Midlothian employment attorney to learn more about how you can hold your employer accountable through a discrimination claim.
What constitutes religious discrimination in the workplace?
Religion is one of the protected classes under the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This means that it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against any employee on the basis of their religion. Employees and applicants of all religions cannot be treated differently than other employees under this law. This means that employees may not be retaliated against, denied a reasonable accommodation, or harassed due to their religious beliefs. Employers are required to provide their employees with reasonable accommodations, including possibly the following:
- Allowing certain exceptions to grooming rules
- Permitting certain shift substitutions
- Allowing employees to take the day off to observe a religious holiday
- Allowing certain exceptions to dress codes, such as head coverings
How long do I have to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission?
If you believe that you have been denied a reasonable accommodation on the basis of your religion, you have been harassed due to your religion, or you have been retaliated against due to your religion, you may have a viable discrimination claim.
To learn if you have a valid claim, it is best to retain the services of an experienced employment attorney. You will likely only have 180 or 300 days from the date of the discriminatory action to file your discrimination claim. You will file your claim with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights.
It is important to understand this time period to avoid being permanently barred from taking legal action. The sooner you bring attention to your claim, the better. To speak with our firm, give us a call to discuss your situation and how you can hold your employer accountable.
CONTACT OUR VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY
At Passero Employment Law, we understand it is difficult to confront problems in the workplace or face litigation. With that in mind, we take a solutions-oriented approach to our representation – focusing on the right process and the right solution for each of our clients. If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Virginia, you can count on Passero Employment Law to effectively represent your interests. To discuss your case today, do not hesitate to contact Passero Employment Law.
