Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Michigan

Religious Discrimination

I provided a letter (signed and sealed)regarding my need to be absent from work for a religious observance that I have practiced since birth. When hired, I presented the letter to the Human Resources Director and had it put in my permanent file. I have been employed at this location for four years and have been absent with the written letter each year. I have been told, that if I do not come to work during the observance that I will most likely be terminated. Is this religious discrimination. I have also experience various forms of harrassment in my work setting that I have repeatedly reported the incidents to Human Resources (to the annoyance of my supervisor) as he is the culprit, but to no avail. My boss is a known tyrant and has caused the termination or resignation of countless employees who have reported his actions in the past. He has yet to be disciplined. I truly feel that I am being targeted and wonder if I have a legal leg to stand on. I work in the professional sports industry. Is it worth pursuing a lawsuit?


Asked on 12/14/05, 6:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Religious Discrimination

Discrimination can be defined as behavior that shows prejudice. Failure to treat people equally because of a bias based on characteristic such as race, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability.

If your boss "is a known tyrant and has caused the termination or resignation of countless employees who have reported his actions in the past" he doesn't appear to be discriminatory, but rather weeds out people he believes are not loyal to him. Loyalty is a sacred virtue in the sports industry, and much valued over competence (e.g. your local football team).

and:

As a practical (not legal) matter, never, ever squeal on your boss to Human Resources.

If you do not have a clear-cut case of religious discrimination (such as your boss mistreating you ONLY (or primarily) because you are Jew, Muslim, Catholic, etc.), I would not file a complaint. You will become an anathema in a close knit community.

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Answered on 12/15/05, 1:51 pm


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