Sessions

Many of us have heard that there are two topics to try to avoid in conversation: religion and politics. Well, legally, employers cannot avoid the former and, practically, it often intersects with the latter. This session will focus on practical issues that employers face when work and religion meet. Areas of focus include:

• The broad definition of sincerely held religious beliefs.
• The “reasonable” in reasonable accommodations.
• When religious expression is protected and when it becomes impermissible proselytizing.
• “Look requirements” and religious garb.
• How religion fits in with diversity initiatives.
• Religious harassment (severe and more subtle).
• LGBT rights relative to the religious beliefs of some.
• Holiday celebrations (and headaches).

In many of these areas, there are actual and potential clashes of rights. For HR, it is not about risk avoidance but rather risk selection. This interactive dialogue will help you not only balance legal risks but also maximize inclusion.