Seasoned Lawyers Standing Up Against Religious Discrimination In West Chester

No one should have to choose between their livelihood and their faith. When your workplace discriminates against your religious beliefs or practices, know that there are laws in place that protect your rights.

Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, is home to seasoned trial lawyers and former prosecutors with extensive courtroom experience. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees in southeastern Pennsylvania who have faced faith-based discrimination. With decades of combined legal experience, our religious discrimination lawyers provide aggressive, client-focused representation. We will help you assert your right to religious freedom without fear.

Employees Have A Right To Reasonable Religious Accommodation

Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Pennsylvania’s own Human Relations Act (PHRA) require employers to make “reasonable accommodations” for their employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs. This means an employer should adjust workplace rules or practices to allow you to observe your faith. This may include:

• Flexible schedules: Letting employees change their work times for prayer or religious holidays like the Sabbath
• Permitting religious clothing: Allowing changes or exceptions to the standard dress code, such as head coverings or turbans
• Prayer breaks: Providing time and a suitable space for prayer during the workday
• Job transfers: Moving an employee to a different role or location if their current duties conflict with their religious practices

Your employer may only restrict your religious practices or attire if it genuinely creates an “undue hardship” or a real safety risk. This means it would be too difficult or expensive for the employer, considering their size, money and the nature of their business. For example, they may require specific safety gear in a factory.

However, any such rules must apply equally to everyone and not show religious bias. This can vary case by case, and may depend on a variety of factors. Our experienced religious discrimination lawyers will help you determine if your employer is meeting their obligations under the law.

Situations That May Count As Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination can appear in various forms in the workplace:

• Harassment: This includes offensive jokes, slurs, or disrespectful comments made about your religion
• Denying accommodation: When an employer refuses to make reasonable adjustments for your religious practices without a valid reason
• Unequal treatment: Being treated differently than other employees because of your religion, in terms of hiring, firing, promotions or even your daily job duties
• Retaliation: When your employer takes negative action against you because you reported religious discrimination or opposed it

If you believe you’ve faced religious discrimination, gathering evidence is crucial. Our religious discrimination lawyers emphasize the importance of documenting everything. Keep detailed records of any relevant emails, memos or performance reviews. It can also help to identify anyone who might have witnessed these events and could support your claims.

Filing A Religious Discrimination Claim In Pennsylvania

To start a formal claim, you typically have two main options in Pennsylvania, each involving a specific agency:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): This is a federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws across the United States. You generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC.
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): This is the state agency that enforces Pennsylvania’s own anti-discrimination laws. Like the EEOC, the deadline for filing a complaint with the PHRC is also 180 days from when the discrimination happened.

After you file, either the EEOC or the PHRC will look into your claim. They will decide if there’s enough reason to believe discrimination occurred. If they find evidence of discrimination, the agency might try to help you and your employer reach a settlement. If both parties cannot agree on a settlement, the agency may initiate legal proceedings on your behalf or provide you with a “right to sue” letter, which will allow you to pursue your own lawsuit in either federal or state court.

The process of filing a claim and navigating the legal system can be complex and intimidating. Our religious discrimination lawyers can guide you through your options, gather the necessary evidence and stand with you at every step of the legal process.

Work With Strong Advocates: Call Us Today

You don’t have to face religious discrimination alone. Our attorneys are ready to assess your case and fight for your rights. Call 610-314-7066 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.