I am an employee of a Quick Service Food and Beverage Restaurant. The companies policy is that you are not permitted to wear anything around your neck that can be seen (i.e. chokers, collars, fancy necklaces, and such thing) unless it is part of your costume or easily hidden beneath your costume. For a number of months I have been wearing a pentagram pendant on a simple piece of cord. It hangs low enough to be hidden within my blouse and tucked into my tank top. One day my manger saw and ever since that day he has made it a point to look for the cord around my neck and say “You need to take THAT off.” While at the same time someone else could be walking past wearing something, that literally drops to their waist, on the outside of their costume and won't say a word to them. One co-workers has a gold chain around his neck that can clearly be seen even at a glance. Am I imagining things or am I experiencing religious discrimination?
2007-10-17 08:03:40 · 8 answers · asked by moonguardianluna 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I wouldn't say it is religious discrimination. Is wearing a pentagram something required by your religion? If you do decide to claim that, you will need to be able to document it.
You can go to HR and state that the dress code rules are not be enforced equally. I would be very careful if you do it. If you do decide to do this you need to make sure you are following ALL of the rules ALL of the time, and that you are doing a good job at the same time.
Finally, be aware that a customer may have put in a written complaint about your pentagram and said that they were offended. Again, this is not justification for a policy not being enforced all around but it may explain the managers behaviour.
Hope this helps. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
2007-10-17 08:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by halestrm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
while I agree with the other posters on this most likely being a case of a policy that is not being equally enforced, I wouldn't be suprised if you are being discriminated against. however, at this point, I think it would be difficult for you to prove your case. but chances are that your pentagram is being misunderstood as a result of fear and ignorance. I'm a "pagan" in the bible belt, and I know well how this works. If I had a dime for every time I'd been told I was going to hell for being a godless heathen, I'd be able to afford to hire Bill Gates to wash my car. anyways, be careful how you pursue this, if you choose to do so. I'd play it cool and see how things go from here on out. if more incidents occur and you really feel that you are being singled out: talk to a lawyer.
2007-10-17 08:35:22 · answer #2 · answered by ghotstfeller 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could easily be experiencing religious discrimination -- especially given that your religion is historically one that is frequently misunderstood.
But, that doesn't mean the policy is invalid -- just that it is perhaps being unfairly or unequally enforced.
My recommendation -- get a bandaid -- use the bandaid to secure the back of the cord, so that it is entirely under your outfit -- that way, there is no valid grounds for complaint -- and if the manager does complain, then you have grounds for a discrimination suit
2007-10-17 08:15:11 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how the company policy is worded, how it's been exercised in the past (have other employees been targeted for wearing other symbols, or just you?) If you have the money, I would consult with a lawyer to see if you have a case.
2007-10-17 08:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the other employee is a manager or something, u might not have a case, becuase the policy might not apply to him or her. if the other person doesn't have a legitimate reason to wear it, and u are on the same level. i think it is consider discrimination.
2007-10-17 08:38:44 · answer #5 · answered by peter a 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guess your boss doesn't like Vicans. It is still discrimination but has nothing to do with religion. All employees are required to follow the same rules if a dress code is in place.
2007-10-17 08:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe you are imagining it. Maybe it is because of the pentagram.
But it doesn't really matter in the end. The result is the same. Have it where he can't see it, or don't wear it.
2007-10-17 08:12:09 · answer #7 · answered by Teekno 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like it.
And since you belong to a minority religious organization, don't expect the situation to be resolved in your favor.
Either quit and work somewhere else or deal with the discrimination.
Its your choice.
2007-10-17 08:10:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋