Reasonable Accommodation of Religion Under Title VII

Title VII addresses two types of religious discrimination: 1) adverse treatment based on religion; and 2) a failure to reasonably accommodate a religious belief or practice. Employers are increasingly faced with the challenge of responding to employee requests to be relieved of work requirements related to religious beliefs and observance. This article provides general background regarding the definition of 'religion' and 'religious belief' in the context of providing a religious accommodation, and an overview of the growing body of case law that deals with the employee's right to seek and the employer's obligation to provide a 'reasonable accommodation.'