Many workers assume they must choose between their faith and their job. Federal and Michigan law say otherwise. Employers are required to make room for sincere religious practices in most situations, and a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision made that obligation stronger.
What the law requires
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires employers with 15 or more employees to reasonably accommodate an employee's sincerely held religious beliefs and practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act separately prohibits religious discrimination by employers.
In Groff v. DeJoy (2023), the Supreme Court held that undue hardship means a burden that is substantial in the overall context of the employer's business. Minor costs or coworker grumbling are not enough to refuse.
Common accommodations
- Short breaks or a flexible schedule for daily prayer
- Time off or shift swaps for Friday prayer, the Sabbath, Eid, Christmas, Yom Kippur, or other observances
- Schedule changes during Ramadan
- Wearing a hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other religious clothing
- Keeping a beard or religious hairstyle despite a grooming policy
- A private space to pray
How to ask
- Make the request in writing, by email or letter, to your supervisor or human resources.
- Explain the religious practice and what you need. You do not have to prove your religion is mainstream or that every member of your faith follows the same practice.
- Offer practical options, such as making up time or swapping shifts.
- Keep a copy of your request and every response.
An employer that refuses without seriously considering your request, or disciplines you for asking, may be violating the law.
If your request is denied
Retaliation for requesting a religious accommodation is also prohibited. Federal claims generally require filing a charge with the EEOC within 300 days in Michigan, and claims under Michigan law must generally be filed within three years.
Ayad Law has represented people of faith against employers, businesses, and government officials since 1999, in English and Arabic. If your employer will not accommodate your faith, request a consultation.
Need help with this? Learn about our religious discrimination practice, or request a consultation.
This article is general information about Michigan and federal law as of its publication date. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different; talk to an attorney about your facts.