Employees in New York have the right to practice their faith without facing discrimination or harassment. If you’ve been treated unfairly because of your religion, you may have a legal claim. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we help workers fight back against illegal religious discrimination in the workplace.
What Constitutes Religious Discrimination?
Religious discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably because of:
- Their sincerely held religious beliefs
- Religious dress or grooming practices
- Association with someone of a particular religion
Protected Under These Laws:
✔ Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (federal)
✔ New York State Human Rights Law
✔ New York City Human Rights Law (strongest protections)
Common Examples of Religious Discrimination
1. Hiring & Firing Decisions
- Being asked inappropriate questions about religion during interviews
- Getting fired for taking time off for religious holidays
2. Workplace Harassment
- Offensive “jokes” about your faith
- Pressure to participate in religious activities against your beliefs
3. Denial of Reasonable Accommodations
- Refusing schedule changes for prayer times or holy days
- Prohibiting religious head coverings or attire when they don’t impact safety
4. Retaliation
- Being demoted after requesting religious accommodations
- Exclusion from important meetings after complaining
Your Right to Religious Accommodations
New York employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless it would cause “undue hardship” (significant difficulty/expense). Common accommodations include:
- Flexible scheduling for religious observances
- Modified dress code policies
- Private space for prayer
How to Prove Religious Discrimination
Strong evidence may include:
📝 Emails/texts showing bias
📅 Records of denied accommodation requests
👥 Witness statements from coworkers
📋 Company policies applied unfairly
What to Do If You’re Facing Discrimination
- Document Everything: Keep records of incidents with dates/times
- Request Accommodations in Writing: Creates a paper trail
- Report to HR: Follow company procedures (but be cautious)
- File a Complaint: With EEOC (within 180 days) or NYS Division of Human Rights (1 year)
- Consult an Attorney: Before giving statements or signing anything
Why You Need Lipsky Lowe LLP
Our experienced employment attorneys can:
- Investigate and gather crucial evidence
- Navigate strict filing deadlines
- Negotiate with employers/insurers
- File a lawsuit if necessary
Potential compensation may include:
💰 Back pay and future earnings
💔 Emotional distress damages
⚖ Punitive damages in severe cases
Fought for Your Faith at Work? We’ll Fight for You.
At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers stand up against religious discrimination. Don’t let an employer violate your rights.
📞 Call today at (212) 815-8500 for a free consultation
📧 Email us at info@lipskylowe.com
📍 Serving NYC, Albany, Buffalo and all of New York from our office at 420 Lexington Ave, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
