All Texas employers should know that they are forbidden by state and federal law from discriminating against a worker based on the worker’s religion, however, confusion may exist about exactly what the law requires. Some employers run afoul of discrimination laws simply because their managers did not understand the laws’ parameters.
Religious discrimination involves treating an employee or a job applicant unfavorably because of that person’s religious beliefs. The law applies equally to people of all religious faiths. Harassing a person based on the person’s religious beliefs or practices is also illegal. While simple teasing is not prohibited by law, if the treatment is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment, the employer may be held liable.
The law also requires an employer to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices, unless doing so would cause more than a minimal burden on the employer’s business operations. Examples of common religious accommodations include flexible scheduling/voluntary shift substitutions and modifications to dress code requirements or other corporate policies.
To speak to a Dallas employment lawyer and the Dallas employment lawyers at his firm, contact Keith Clouse of Clouse Dunn LLP via email at [email protected] or telephone at 214 220 3888.
