Nashville Religious Discrimination Attorney

Federal and Tennessee laws prevent employers from discriminating against workers based on their religious beliefs or customs. These laws also require employers to make reasonable accommodations so employees can observe their chosen spiritual practices. Despite these guaranteed protections, employers sometimes break the rules. If you’re in Nashville and believe you have been discriminated against based on your religion, the religious discrimination lawyers at The Employment and Commerce Law Group can help. 

What is Religious Discrimination?

Religious discrimination occurs when you are treated differently at work based on your religious beliefs. It applies to organized religions like Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other faiths. But religious discrimination can also occur if you are discriminated against for certain ethical or moral beliefs. 

Religious discrimination can be categorized in two ways:  

• Disparate treatment occurs if you are personally treated differently based on your religious beliefs. 
• Disparate impact happens when a seemingly neutral workplace policy or practice adversely impacts members of your religion.

Either type of religious discrimination can occur in the employment context through unfair hiring and firing decisions, compensation, and workplace harassment. For example, you may be paid less than other employees in the same job with the same experience because of your religion. Other employees may use religious slurs or jokes at your expense, but your employer does not correct the misconduct. An employer can even discriminate against you before you work with them if they refuse to hire you due to your religion. 

Examples of Religious Discrimination at Work

Although the facts and circumstances of every case are unique, below are some ways you might experience religious discrimination at work: 

• The use of anti-Semitic slurs or derogatory terms 
• Dress codes prohibiting you from wearing a turban or hijab 
• Refusal of a schedule change to accommodate your attendance at religious observances 
• Termination because you chose not to participate in prayer initiated by the employer

What Laws Protect Against Religious Discrimination?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their religion. This includes religious expression related to your outward observance, practice, and expression of your beliefs. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and the THRA applies to Tennessee employers employing at least eight individuals. 

Victims of religious discrimination may be eligible to file a claim seeking compensation and certain equitable relief, including job reinstatement, back pay, and money for emotional distress. If you believe you have been a victim of religious discrimination, a Nashville religious discrimination lawyer can explain your rights and ensure you can enjoy your protected religious freedoms at work.

Get Help From Our Experienced Religious Discrimination Lawyers in Nashville

Standing up to your employer can feel scary, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. At The Employment and Commerce Law Group, our legal team can pursue justice on your behalf. Call or contact us today for a free case evaluation.