Kansas city, Missouri, is a diverse place, with people of all backgrounds living and working there. Fortunately, the majority of companies thrive with a diverse workforce and realize the benefits of having people from all walks of life on board. Sadly, this isn’t always the case.
Discrimination in the workplace still goes on and it commonly occurs on a religious basis. Not only is this detrimental to those on the receiving end, but it is also unlawful. Thus, it’s worth trying to identify some of the more common types of religious discrimination.
Discriminatory punishments
For some individuals, the form of discrimination that they suffer is punitive. A supervisor may go out of their way to make life difficult for a specific employee, or group of employees, based on no other reason than the religion they practice. These employees may be given degrading tasks, lesser wages, fewer hours and could even face suspension or termination.
It’s important to note that discrimination can also occur during the application process of a job. If a qualified individual is denied an opportunity on the sole basis of their religion, then this is also discrimination.
Verbal and physical harassment
Discrimination can also occur in the form of physical or verbal abuse. If an employee is attacked on the basis of their religion, either physically or verbally, then this is actionable under Missouri law.
Indirect discrimination
Sometimes, discrimination is more subtle in nature. Any measure that is applied to everyone, but only impacts a religious group negatively, could be indirect discrimination. For example, if all employees are obliged to wear a uniform that goes against the tenets of a particular religion.
In the U.S., you should be free to practice any religion without facing discrimination. If you have been treated poorly at work, be sure to look into your legal options.