Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act bars employers from discrimination against individuals based on their religion. This includes termination, refusing to hire, or denying promotions or raises based on one’s religious beliefs. Employers cannot treat employees more favorably (or less favorably) due to religion, nor can they require employees to participate in a religious activity.

In addition, Title VII requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for religion and religious practices – provided it does not create an ‘undue hardship.’ An example of a reasonable accommodation includes flexible scheduling to allow for a religious observance. Because of this, it is important to know about federal protection from religious discrimination at work. Religious students will find below resources to help them find an organization that respects their religious views, navigate workplace dynamics, and build a professional community.

Support at Wentworth

Religion is an important part of many identities, and Co-ops & Careers encourages students to express their beliefs without fear of harassment or discrimination both in the workplace and in their personal lives. You may have questions about how to express your faith at work or about requesting time off for religious observance. Your Co-op & Career Advisor is available by appointment to discuss your concerns and answer questions about how your faith may impact your co-op or job search, workplace dynamics, and professional development.

Talk with us about

• Strategies to navigate religious expression at work.
• How to communicate and request accommodations for religious purposes.
• Identify ways to explore your personal religious journey.
• Addressing harassment and discrimination in the workplace and during interviews.
• Exploring the ways work and religion intersect.
• How to include religious events and groups on your resume and in job interviews.

On campus

• Prayer & Meditation Room (Beatty Hall 029) is a space to pray, reflect, or mediate and is open to all students, staff, and faculty.
• The Center for Diversity and Global Engagement is a good place to explore and discuss all facets of religion and spirituality; use the CDGE to find a community that shares your beliefs and ideas, both on campus and off.
• Connect with student organization to build a network of support. Up-to-date listings of Wentworth clubs and organizations and information including meeting times and locations can be found on Leopard Spot.

Resources

Employment Rights

US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Religious Discrimination
Overview from the EEOC of religious rights in the US and the laws protecting against religious discrimination.

US EEOC Religious Garb and Grooming the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities
Find answers to questions about how the federal employment discrimination law applies to religious dress and grooming practices, and what steps employers can take to meet their legal responsibilities in this area.

Workplace Fairness on Religious Discrimination
Comprehensive resource that walks through examples and situations regarding religion and the workplace.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights: Religious Freedom
Guide from the ACLU providing information about your right to express your religion and belief and be protected from discrimination.

Naval Postgraduate School Equal Employment Opportunity Page
Shares examples of religious exercise and religious expression in the workplace.

Ing.org
Overview of Muslim religious practices and the right to observe at work.

Co-op and Job Search

Christianjobs.com
Job board and tools for Christians.

Christiancareercenter.com
Find jobs and job search tips and advice.

Jewishcareers.com
Find religiously affiliated and secular jobs.

Jccworks.com
Find opportunities with Jewish Community Centers across the country.

WorkHalal.com
Open to all persons seeking a job with an Islamic Environment.

Religious Dates of Observance

Interfaith Calendar
Lists holy days and sacred times for the world religions by year.

Ing.org: Calendar of important Islamic Dates
Learn about the important days and holidays of Islam.

Jewish Holidays & Celebration List
A listing of the significant holidays and observations of the Jewish calendar maintained by the Peninsula Jewish Community Center.