Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland

Re: Religious Email from my Supervisor

It may not be illegal by itself (isolated acts of alleged discrimination may rise to the level of illegal discrimination, but are not automatically considered illegal - each case is reviewed based on its own facts), but it is certainly inappropriate and leaves the company open to charges of religious discrimination/harassment.

You should consider raising the issue with HR if you have an HR department. Ask them to tell the supervisor that such conduct, although perhaps well-intentioned, is unwelcome and inappropriate.

You could talk to the supervisor directly as well, but that would probably result in hurt feelings. Of course, if you do go to HR, the supervisor will be upset that you did not talk to her first. It is a bit of a dual-edged sword, but you should definitely do something to nip this problem in the bud.

The laws that apply are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1963 (if the employer has at least 15 employees), which prohibits religious discrimination, and both the Maryland and county human rights laws which do the same.

Good luck.

Jeff Sheldon

Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire

The Sheldon Law Firm

17804 St. Lucia Isle Drive

Tampa, FL 33647

813.986.7580

(f) 813.986.7489

(Admitted in Fl., MD, D.C., and Pa.)

[email protected]

http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com

Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.