Modesto Religious Discrimination Lawyer

Modesto Religious Discrimination Attorney

If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of your faith, beliefs, or religious practices, a Modesto religious discrimination lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for justice. Both federal and California law protect employees from discriminatory acts based on religion, including when an employer refuses to hire you, fires you without cause, refuses promotions, or refuses workplace accommodations.

Whether your employer denied your request for time off for a religious holiday, made disparaging remarks, or retaliated against you after you complained, you do not have to deal with this mistreatment. Religious discrimination in the Modesto workplace can be both subtle and overt, but in either case, it is never acceptable. You have the right to feel safe and respected at work.

Hire a Religious Discrimination Lawyer in Modesto

At Asbill Law Group, we have a history of effectively handling religious discrimination claims in Modesto and throughout California. Our attorneys are up-to-date on California employment laws, such as Title VII and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which means each client gets precise, knowledgeable, and effective legal advice.

We’re known for our professionalism, compassion, and discretion, which is why those who have experienced bias in the workplace trust us with their cases.

What Qualifies as Religious Discrimination in the Workplace?

Religious discrimination occurs in Modesto when an employer treats an employee unfairly due to their religion, spiritual observances, or beliefs. It can take many forms, including wrongful termination, derogatory comments, denial of promotions, or refusal to accommodate an employee’s religious practices.

In 2022, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 13,814 charges of religious discrimination, which was an increase from years prior. For example, there were only 2,111 charges in 2021. This spike was largely related to vaccine mandates, which underscores how quickly the political climate can give rise to workplace bias.

While California law has strong anti-religious discrimination laws, employees in industries common in Modesto, such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, can still experience unlawful treatment. Understanding the signs of religious discrimination is the first step in protecting your rights and holding employers accountable.

Your Right to Religious Accommodations on the Job in Modesto

In Modesto, workers have the right to reasonable accommodation of sincerely held religious beliefs or practices. Examples include time off for religious observance or practice, wearing clothing or headgear required by one’s religion, and taking a break for prayer. An employer must provide this accommodation, unless doing so would result in undue hardship to the employer.

Central Valley’s industrial area employs many diverse workers through multi-shift operations, so equal treatment becomes exceptionally crucial. If your employer is unwilling to accommodate you or has taken action against you for making such a request, that may be a violation of your rights under state and federal law.

How to Document and Report Religious Discrimination in Modesto

If you believe that you are being discriminated against in your Modesto workplace because of your religion, you should take the first step toward legal action and begin documenting everything. This means keeping track of any emails, conversations, requests that are denied, and/or disciplinary actions that you feel are related to your religious beliefs. You should also take note of dates, who was involved, and the specific details of each incident that occurred.

Work environments across agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors in Modesto serve a diverse population full of varying religious beliefs. In these workplaces, there should be a wide range of accommodations available for employees of different faiths to practice their beliefs.

Once you’ve documented instances of discrimination, you should bring your issue to your employer through their HR channels. You have the option to file a claim with both the EEOC and the California Civil Rights Department if talking to your employer results in no changes. Having strong and organized documentation can help to ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are fully protected.

FAQs

What Counts as Religious Discrimination at Work in California?

Religious discrimination in California can look like any adverse treatment directed at you based on your religious faith, beliefs, or observances. This could include being denied a break to observe a religious practice, harassment for your beliefs, or discipline for wearing a religious garment. California and federal law prohibit this sort of mistreatment. You may have a claim for illegal discrimination if your employer treats you differently based on your religion.

Can My Employer Deny a Religious Accommodation in Modesto?

Employers must reasonably accommodate employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless this would create an undue hardship for the employer. Examples include flexible work schedules, dress code modifications or religious expression exemptions, and space for prayer or other religious observances. If you made a reasonable request for accommodation and were turned down without reason, this may be a violation of your rights under Title VII.

How Long Do I Have to File a Religious Discrimination Claim in California?

In California, you usually have three years to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Additionally, you generally have 180 days to file federal claims with the EEOC, which can be extended to 300 days in some cases. Because these deadlines can vary on a case-by-case basis, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and you don’t miss any filing deadlines.

Can I Be Fired for Requesting a Religious Accommodation in California?

No, your employer cannot retaliate against you for requesting religious accommodations, as this is your right as a California employee. Termination, demotion, reduced hours, or a hostile work environment are all forms of illegal retaliation if they are based on religion. If you believe you were fired, or otherwise treated unfairly, in response to a request based on your beliefs, you may be eligible for damages.

Contact a Modesto Religious Discrimination Lawyer

No one should have to face religious discrimination in their Modesto workplace. California has robust employment laws that protect your rights, and the team at Asbill Law Group can help you hold your employer accountable for mistreating you because of your faith.

Our deep knowledge of religious discrimination laws empowers us to champion employee rights throughout Modesto and the entire state. Take action today and hire a religious discrimination attorney who can fight for your beliefs, your dignity, and your future.