I received a letter from my employer stating that in order to keep my facial hair that i would need to proved them with a letter from my local worship center indicating my request for religious accommodations and the grounds upon which the request is based. Can they legally tell me to prove my religion in order to keep my facial hair. Can i sue them for pain and suffering?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: North Carolina Already Tried: I've already filed a complaint with the EEOC... waiting to hear back from them.
Hello and thank you for the question. I am sorry to read of this dilemma. Legally employer may set rules for appearance and dress. This includes uniform and even facial hair. While uncommon it is not illegal. That said an employer may not discriminate on basis of religion. So if indeed you can get religious leader support for your appearance employer will accept it or risk a religious discrimination claim. That kind of claim may be heard by the EEOC.
To keep my job do i have to PROVE what my religion is and if so how is that legal? What do i do if i do not have a religious leader to go to?
You don't need to show which religion. A simple short letter from a priest or other religious leader saying it relates to your observance. That would be enough!
What if I have no religious leader to request a letter from. I have told them what my religion is... Can't they simply "google" what that religion is. I am a self practicing Muslim. So, i have no religious leader to go to to ask for a letter.
Your word is enough. You may compromise by offering an affidavit. If they still don't accept it they are illegally discriminating and you may raise it in your Eeoc action. Good luck. Kindly rate me at least 3. Thank you.
Experience: Licensed attorney helping employers and employees