Workplace discrimination, in all forms, occurs far more than most would think in this day in age. Discrimination, whenever it occurs, is more than just unfortunate — it is wrong. This is certainly an issue that could land Michigan business owners in pretty hot water if appropriate actions are not taken.
There are many forms of discrimination, including age, gender and religious. In any form, for those who are already employed, discrimination can be difficult to prove, though not impossible. What about for potential employees who are not offered jobs? How can they tell if they have been victims of discrimination? This type of situation happens, and as a result, the victim can seek legal recourse.
In another state, a woman is claiming religious discrimination against the popular clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch. She was never hired by the company and believes that the reason why is due to her religious views. As a practicing Muslim, this woman wears a traditional headdress which, to wear to work, would have gone against Abercrombie & Fitch’s ‘look policy.’ As failing to hire in an effort to avoid offering religious accommodations is illegal, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the company, which has since changed its policy regarding head scarves and has settled multiple lawsuits similar in nature.
It can be difficult for job candidates to know, for sure, if they have in any way been victims of discrimination. It is very easy for employers to offer reasons for rejections that may not be entirely true. Job applicants in Michigan who feel they have been refused employment opportunities based on religious discrimination, or any other forms of discrimination, can take legal action. Assistance is available to these individuals, in order to help hold employers accountable for such behavior and to seek compensation for any resulting damages.
Source: kansascity.com, “Diane Stafford: A warning to hirers about religious discrimination“, Diane Stafford, June 5, 2015
