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Religious Accommodation
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I am requesting expert opinions regarding religious accommodation at work. Every year, my company has a holiday party for its employees. This year, management has decided to require a small monetary c
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Forums » Topic Forums » Legal Forum » Religious Accommodation
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Religious Accommodation
posted at 12/3/2009 3:06 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 12/3/2009 Last: 12/3/2009 |
I am requesting expert opinions regarding religious accommodation at work. Every year, my company has a holiday party for its employees. This year, management has decided to require a small monetary contribution from employees to attend the event. The contributions will be used for charity. Specifically, to buy gifts for children and teens at a local children's home. I am wholly supportive of the general idea and intention; however, there is one area of concern for me.
The children's home is owned and operated by a religious organization that fully incorporates its religious teachings and beliefs into the operation of the home. As a Human Resources professional, I am aware of the need to be mindful of any possible religious-related conflicts. This situation raised a red flag for me, especially since the ministry integrates itself with the home so closely. I raised my concern to management, asking what accomodation might be available to an employee who would object on the basis of their religious beliefs. Management response was that they did not believe that it was a problem and I was made to feel that I did something wrong by asking the question. I am not disputing asking for a donation to attend the function; however, I believe that because the organization is religious in nature, my company is wrong, or at the very least, treading in dangerous waters, to base admittance solely on this donation. I believe it sends the message that by donating to this ministry you get rewarded with the company party and by failing to donate to the ministry you get punished by being denied entry to the company party. My recommendation was to offer a non-religious charity as an alternative, but again, the response was that they saw nothing wrong and/or they will cross that bridge when they come to it. Your opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you! P.S. The company is a public agency, the party will be on public property, during regular work hours, and the invitation/request for donation was made directly from the head of this public organization. |
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Religious Accommodation
posted at 12/3/2009 3:10 PM EST
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Posts: 155
First: 8/24/2009 Last: 2/9/2010 |
Is it possibly risky? yeah.
Is it possible someone might be offended? yeah. Is their being offended going to change anything? probably not. You've voiced your concern and management chose not to take the advice. |
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Religious Accommodation
posted at 12/3/2009 4:48 PM EST
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Posts: 562
First: 11/12/2009 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I think there's an important distinction to be made here. You state that the money will be used to purchase gifts for the children at this home. That's considerably different from giving the money directly to the religious organization that runs the home.
I think I have to side with your company's management on this one because of that distinction. If the money were going directly to the organization running the home perhaps I'd feel differently. |
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