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. This page was inspired by the resources developed by the Hiatt Career Center at Brandeis.
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 Social Justice and Diversity Programs (CSJDP) is a good place to explore and discuss all facets of religion and spirituality; use the CSJDP to find a community that shares your beliefs and ideas, both on campus and off.
- List of religious holidays. When a religious holiday conflicts with a student’s class or co-op schedule, students assume the responsibility to discuss their absence to observe these holidays. This list includes significant holidays from the five largest global faith traditions, however, it is not comprehensive.
- Places of worship near Wentworth.
Student Organizations
Connect with student organization to build a network of support. Up-to-date information including meeting times and locations can be found on Leopard Spot.
Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) at Wentworth – The Wentworth Chapter is a caring community whose mission is to create a safe place for people to explore and grow in their relationship with God. Learn more about Cru Boston here.
Contact: Wentworth CRU Facebook
Catholic Student Association – We promote a community that fosters spiritual growth and deepens our faith and understanding of Catholic teaching.
Contact: catholics@wit.edu
WIT Jewish Club – A club for the education, appreciation, and celebration of the Jewish religion and cultural aspects of Judaism.
Contact: witjewishclub@gmail.com | WIT Jewish Club Instagram
Resources
Individual, Local, and Global
The Pluralism Project: World Religions in Greater Boston
Explore and learn from an exhaustive list while reading about the history of religion in Boston
Colleges of the Fenway
A listing of religious organizations and places of worship that are accessible to all College of the Fenway students. The churches, synagogues, and mosques were selected due to their proximity to the Colleges of the Fenway area.
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.
World Union of Jewish Students
Connect with Jewish students around the world.
Hindu Student Council
North America’s largest Pan-Hindu youth organization focused on inspiring the development of an “integrated personality” based upon the spiritual and cultural treasures of Hindu heritage.
Muslim Students Association
National organization that strives to facilitate networking, educate, and empower the students of today to be citizens of tomorrow’s community.
Secular Student Alliance
Encourages students to express their identity, build welcoming communities, promote secular values, and set a course for lifelong activism.
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.
Networking Organizations and Professional Associations
CAMP
National Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals,
MUPPIES
The Muslim Urban Professionals is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and advancing Muslim professionals to be leaders in their careers and communities.
Urbanites Boston
A Young Jewish Professional community encompassing a suite of programs intended to convene dynamic, reflective, and passionate Urbanites. Social gatherings, networking events, and didactic sessions offer a forum for self-discovery, community-building, and the launch of vibrant interpersonal relationships.
Christian Business Network
Connect with Christians professionals worldwide.
DePaul list of Interfaith resources
Nationwide listing of faith-based organizations and communities.
