Employers are generally aware of their obligation to accommodate
the needs of employees who participate in "mainstream"
religions. They may be unprepared, however, to appropriately
respond to employees' requests for accommodation relating to
lesser-known religions or practices—including but not limited
to those who wear a religious kirpan (a small, dull and sheathed
miniature sword worn in the Sikh faith) or who take time off on
Samhain, the Wiccan High Holy Day that falls on Halloween. As a
result, employers may deny such requests, resulting in religious
discrimination and failure-to-accommodate claims.
An employer's obligation to provide reasonable accommodation
for employees' religious needs arises under Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 and many state anti-discrimination laws.
These laws have broad definitions of what constitutes a religion.
In fact, the absence of religion, or being an atheist, is also
protected under the law. Employers must accommodate
