Religious Expression in the Workplace Fostering Respect in a Diverse Workplace

1. Religious Expression in the Workplace Fostering Respect in a Diverse Workplace June 27, 2013

2. Key Points - Religious Expression • The Law/Policy • Public versus Personal Space • Respect

3. The Law - Religious Expression • 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

4. The Law-Religious Expression • System Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Compliance • University Rule 08.01.01.M1, Civil Rights Compliance

5. Examples of Discrimination Based on Religion • 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 “______”.

6. Examples of Harassment Based on Religion • 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

7. Reasonable Accommodations-Religious Expression • 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

8. Public versus Personal Spaces • Public Spaces • Religious symbols should not be displayed in public spaces • Could be viewed as University support for that religion • Holiday displays

9. Public versus Personal Spaces • Personal Workspaces • Religious symbols may be displayed in personal workspaces • Other considerations

10. Respect “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.

11. Final Thoughts • Understand the law and policy • Know the difference between public and personal workspaces • It’s all about respect

12. How may we help you? Tom Owen Director, HR Policy & Practice Review 979.862.3331 towen1@tamu.edu http://employees.tamu.edu/ppr/