Many religions, including Sikhism, Islam and sects of Judaism, require that men and women not cut their hair, or that men not shave their beards. Can employers force employees to cut their hair or shave their beards against their religion? It depends on the specific situation.
Understanding Chapter VII
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964prohibits employers with at least fifteen employees from discriminating against persons on the basis of their religion (or lack of religious belief) in hiring, dismissal or other employment conditions. Unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer's business operations, an employer must make reasonable allowances for an employee's grooming practices that he or she observes for religious reasons. Rastafarian dreadlocks or uncut Sikh hair and beards are examples of grooming practices observed for religious reasons.
When an employee needs a nursing home for religious reasons, the employee must notify the employer that he or she needs a nursing home for religious reasons. If the employer reasonably needs more information, the employer and employee should engage in an interactive process to discuss the employee's request.
During the interactive process, the employee must identify employment practices or rules that interfere with his or her religious beliefs so that the employer can assess whether an accommodation is available. The employer must consider in good faith whether accommodation is available and whether such accommodation would impose an undue burden on the company's operations.
Know your rights
An employer does not have to take into account an employee's religious beliefs or practices if this would cause unnecessary problems for the employer. An accommodation may cause unnecessary problems if it is expensive, compromises workplace safety, reduces workplace efficiency, infringes on the rights of other employees, or requires other employees to perform more than their share of potentially hazardous or doing burdensome work. Undue hardship is determined on a case-by-case basis. Unless an employee has a religious reason for his or her hairstyle, an employer can dictate how an employee wears his or her hair at work.
If you are being discriminated against by your employer because of your religious beliefs, please contact:workplace discrimination lawyerin Minnesota. Discrimination in the workplace lawyerSchäfer Halleen, LLCcan discuss your employment situation with you and explain the options available to protect your rights.
Frequently asked questions about forcing a haircut against my religion
Do You Have to Disclose Religious Beliefs to Employers?
An employee is not required to disclose his religious beliefs to an employer unless he requests a religious accommodation. If this is the case, the employer can only ask for relevant and reasonable information about the employee's religion.
How do you deal with religious discrimination in the workplace?
If you are being discriminated against at work because of your religion, contact a Minnesota employment attorney. A workplace discrimination attorney can discuss your employment situation with you and explain options to protect your rights.
Can a company force you to cut your hair?
An employer with at least 15 employees cannot force you to cut your hair or remove your facial hair if you religiously believe this is not allowed. By forcing an employee to cut his hair in violation of his religion, an employer may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII only allows an employer to deny this accommodation if it would cause the company undue hardship deliver.
Which religions prevent you from cutting your hair?
Religions such as Orthodox Judaism, Rastafarianism, and Sikhism prohibit all hairstyles, the removal of facial hair, or a combination of both, due to the belief that hair is sacred or a gift from God.
What are my religious rights to forced haircuts?
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an employee is not required to cut his hair if it conflicts with his religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause the employer undue hardship. The employee must request a religious accommodation to ensure that he does not have to cut his hair.
How to prove religious discrimination?
An employment law attorney can help you prove that an employer discriminated against you during the hiring, hiring or firing process because of your religious beliefs. The employer's actions must violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Should employers take religion into account?
Employers must make reasonable accommodations to honor the religious beliefs of their employees when those beliefs conflict with work requirements. A religious accommodation is any accommodation to work requirements that allows the employee to practice his religion.
Can an employer force you to get a haircut that goes against your religion?
Your employer cannot force you to get a haircut that conflicts with your religion unless doing so would cause unnecessary problems for the company. To ensure that you are not forced to cut your hair, you must apply for a religious exemption.
