(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/18/2023) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s oral arguments today in Groff v. DeJoy as a clear indication that the court appears set to increase the protections federal law provides to employees seeking religious accommodations.
SEE: Supreme Court Hears Christian Postal Worker’s Religious Claim
The outcome of the case may determine whether the court will the keep current “anything more than de minimis”standard under Title VII for how much hardship an employer must prove before denying an employee a religious accommodation or adopt a more protective standard. Title VII is the law Muslim employees use to request breaks to pray, permission to keep beards or wear hijabs, and time-off to observe religious occasions. In Groff, the Supreme Court is deciding how strong Title VII’s religious liberty protections should be.
SEE: CAIR Files Amicus Brief Before Supreme Court in Case about Religious Accommodations in the Workplace
At the hearing, the Supreme Court seemed set to overturn the de minimis standard, which the government declined to defend, asserting instead that lower courts have effectively used a higher standard already. In explaining how the de minimis standard as applied harms the religious rights of minorities, Justice Samuel Alito referenced the substance of CAIR’s brief alongside amici from communities who rely on Title VII’s protections.
“We are pleased that the justices and the government seem to agree that the current interpretation of Title VII standard is a mistake,” said CAIR Trial Attorney Justin Sadowsky. “But—contrary to the Government’s arguments before the Court—Muslim religious rights have not been given a fair shake under the current standard. Time off for prayer or Jummah, the ability to wear hijab, and the desire not to handle alcohol and pork have all been refused by Courts even when an accommodation would have been reasonable. We explained this in our brief.”
“Muslims should not have to drop or hide their religion in order to go to work,” added CAIR Staff Attorney Zanah Ghalawanji. “Title VII demands no less.”
CAIR defends the rights of American Muslims at their place of employment throughout the country.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” to help employers gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the workplace.
CAIR: An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Trial Attorney Justin Sadowsky, 646-785-9154,
[email protected]; CAIR Staff Attorney Zanah Ghalawanji, [email protected]