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Religion Discrimination

New York Religious Discrimination Lawyer

Defending Your Employee Rights in New York

The founding documents of the United States protect Americans in the free exercise of religion. More recently, federal laws, as well as New York State laws, protect those religious rights in the workplace. Except where it would create an unreasonable burden, your employer or prospective employer is required by law to accommodate your religious practice whenever possible. If you have experienced discrimination based on your religious beliefs, do not hesitate to contact Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP for the legal representation you deserve.

Call Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP today at (646) 490-0221 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our religious discrimination attorney in New York.

Examples of Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

Religious discrimination in the workplace can take place in a number of ways, such as:

  • Derogatory comments or depictions regarding members of your religion that lead to the existence of a hostile work environment
  • Scheduling important tests or selection exercises for times that conflict with an employee's religious practice, such as on a Sabbath day
  • Preventing you from having contact with clients because of religious wear such as a turban, head covering, or yarmulke
  • Forbidding certain hairstyles or clothing related to your religion, such as Rastafarian dreadlocks, Sikh long hair and beard, or a Mennonite head covering
  • Terminating an employee for taking time off work in observance of a religious holiday when that employee followed the proper protocol for requesting leave
  • Mandatory employee programs that involve "new age" concepts such as meditation, yoga, and other practices that are in conflict with your religious beliefs
  • Refusal to accommodate certain religious practices, such as daily prayer or Sabbath observance, when doing so would not present an "unreasonable burden" to the employer
  • Denying employment, promotion, pay raises, or other benefits to employees based on their religious beliefs and practice

Reasonable Accommodation & "Sincerely Held" Belief

Even if a particular employee's religious beliefs are not entirely compatible with work hours, workplace practices or certain days of the week, employers must work with the employee to try and accommodate him/her.

The reasonable accommodation standard under the framework of a religious discrimination claim is somewhat different from that analysis under a disability claim. An employer has an obligation to reasonably accommodate a "sincerely held" religious belief. The difficulty arises in determining what exactly is or is not "sincerely held."

The reasonable accommodation standard is subject to an employer claiming undue hardship, which means that it would conflict with legitimate business interests.

How to Prove Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

Proving religious discrimination can be challenging, but you can create a strong case with the right legal guidance. Here are key elements to consider:

  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. This can include emails, text messages, or any other form of communication.
  • Witness Statements: If there were witnesses to the discriminatory behavior, obtain their statements. Witnesses can provide crucial support for your case.
  • Employment Policies and Handbooks: Review your employer's policies and handbooks to identify any violations related to religious discrimination. This documentation can be essential in demonstrating a pattern of discriminatory behavior within the organization.
  • Comparative Treatment: If possible, show how employees of different religions were treated differently in similar situations. This can help show a pattern of discriminatory practices.
  • Seek Legal Advice Early: Consult with an experienced New York religious discrimination lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you assess the strength of your case and guide you on the best course of action.

The Role of a Religious Discrimination Attorney

When facing religious discrimination, enlisting the support of a New York religious discrimination lawyer is essential for safeguarding your rights.

  • Legal Experience Tailored to You: Religious discrimination cases are nuanced, demanding a thorough understanding of the legal landscape. A specialized attorney can guide you through the complexities, evaluating your unique situation and devising a personalized strategy for resolution. From discrimination in employment to daily interactions, their expertise ensures an informed and effective approach.
  • Customized Strategies for Resolution: A skilled lawyer will craft a customized strategy to address your specific case, employing negotiation, mediation, or litigation as needed. This tailored approach maximizes the chances of a favorable resolution, with the attorney advocating for your rights and seeking fair compensation for any damages incurred due to discrimination.
  • Navigating Negotiations and Litigation: Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, your attorney will navigate the legal process adeptly. In negotiations, they advocate for your interests, striving for a fair settlement. In court, their litigation support ensures a robust defense, presenting evidence and arguments to secure the best possible outcome.
  • Getting Justice and Compensation: Beyond legal proceedings, your lawyer is committed to helping you get justice. They understand the toll discrimination takes and tirelessly pursue fair compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and relevant losses.

Contact Our New York Religious Discrimination Attorney Today

If your religious rights have been violated at your place of work, do not hesitate to retain the services of a New York employment law attorney who can protect those rights fiercely and effectively. At Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP, we are passionate about ensuring that our clients' employee rights are upheld. To learn more about or firm and our track record of success in employment discrimination cases, contact Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP today.

Contact Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP today to get started with our New York religious discrimination lawyer.

Meet Our Team

Why Choose Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP?

  • 100+ Years of Collective Experience
  • Personalized & Compassionate Service
  • Award-Winning Legal Counsel
  • A Track Record of Success

Our Testimonials

Our Past Clients Speak to Our Experience
    "Always available, conscientious and extremely knowledgeable."

    Outstanding lawyer. Always available, conscientious and extremely knowledgeable. Excellent at following-up both with his clients and with opposing counsel. Regardless of the size of the case, Brian will put in the work and always treat his clients with the utmost professionalism and respect.

    - N.W.
    "I trusted them entirely."

    I received the most compassionate and professional assistance from SP&H. I felt that Mr. Heller truly cared about me and the situation I was in. He was able to be my voice during a difficult time. He responded promptly to any correspondence, took the time to explain to me any questions or concerns, and helped ease any kind of stress that I had during a dispute with a previous employer. I highly recommend this firm. You are not just a number, they treat you like family. I trusted them entirely. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your devoted time and effort in my legal matter.

    - A.M.
    "Their integrity, personal attention, and knowledge are superior."
    Schwartz, Perry & Heller, LLP are the most skilled Lawyers for your discrimination case in the Tri-State area. Their integrity, personal attention, and knowledge are superior. They won my case and can win yours. Nothing beats the best.
    - D.K.
    "Caring, smart, highly skilled negotiators"
    Davida Perry and Brian Heller are very caring, attentive and highly skilled negotiators who gave me expert representation to win my negotiation and achieve my goals.
    - D.
    "Words are inadequate to express how truly grateful I am to Schwartz & Perry, especially Brian Heller for his help."
    Words are inadequate to express how truly grateful I am to Schwartz & Perry, especially Brian Heller for his help. I first met Mr. Schwartz and Brian Heller a few years ago when I was working at an international firm in an IT role when I contacted them for the free consultation because I felt that I was being setup to be fired. I knew I was being treated unfairly by my manager. I felt utterly helpless and had no idea who to turn to. After meeting with Mr. Schwartz and Brian Heller, I came to understand that the unfair treatment I endured was actually discrimination. They counselled me through being fired and negotiating a settlement; an extremely upsetting and exhausting experience. They explained the rules of employment law while treating me with dignity and kindness. Due to the skill and knowledge of these attorneys, I received a substantial settlement and was able to move on to another company with my self-respect intact and without the financial hardship that would have resulted from losing my job. They also ensured that this employer could not damage my reputation going forward with future employers. Recently, when I had another issue with a different employer; I called Brian Heller right away. I knew that Brian, being extremely well versed on the latest employment laws, would be able to help me. Brian carefully guided me and I was able to “ride the wave” of unprofessionalism and threats of litigation coming my way from my former employer’s attorney. My former employer thought that they could bully and frighten me into staying with them longer so that my new job opportunity would no longer be available, and then they could let me go when it was convenient for them - and I’d be out of work. They didn’t know that I have a Secret Weapon – Brian Heller! Once Brian was on the case, those threats ceased and I was able to accept my new wonderful job and leave the worry and stress behind. I highly recommend Brian Heller and Schwartz & Perry as a firm. Over the years Brian has always treated me with kindness and respect and I have peace of mind because I have someone I trust who is on my side, who can guide me and who is willing and extremely capable of protecting my rights.
    - Former Client
    "From day 1 of the consultation to the very end I felt like the most important client to the firm."
    Amazing team of Attorneys. From day 1 of the consultation to the very end I felt like the most important client to the firm. Brian Heller who I dealt with personally was amazing. Whether it was a call or email responses were very prompt and I was kept informed every step of the way. Even a few calls just to check in and say hello. Truly an incredible experience and I would recommend them to anyone seeking justice. If they take your case they will fight with you to the end. A+
    - D.W.
    "We remain tremendously grateful for his support and look forward to working with him again."
    On short notice, Brian Heller reviewed contracts with complex international dimensions and found important discrepancies that I and other senior-level executives had missed completely. He was fast, thorough, and detail-oriented in providing pragmatic advice that enabled us to be sure that we were getting the fairest and best possible treatment under the law. We remain tremendously grateful for his support and look forward to working with him again.
    - Eric
    "Davida Perry not only did an amazing job calming down my nerves but she fought for me tooth and nail and did a great job securing what my past employer owed me."
    After having a terrible experience at my last job, facing the anxiety again of having to rehash the treatment was daunting. Davida Perry not only did an amazing job calming down my nerves but she fought for me tooth and nail and did a great job securing what my past employer owed me. I won’t lie, there were moments I wanted to give up, but Davida was always there to help me stay focused and realize that I didn’t need to let them win. She was really great at countering all of their arguments, I pity anyone that would try to prove her wrong. She thought of everything we need and kept me constantly updated. Mostly what I appreciated about Davida was her kindness, and her genuine care for my mental health. She wanted to make sure I was taking care of myself during a very trying time. I cannot recommend this firm enough. They all clearly care about their clients and want to do best for you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, and if you’re worried about the challenges that lie ahead be sure to team with Schwartz Perry & Heller, they will have your back and fight for justice.
    - T.B.