The Incomplete Guide To Religious And Title VII Accommodations

The Supreme Court's decision in Groff v. Dejoy is a consequential case for employers facing religious accommodation requests. The Court held that an employer facing such requests does not need to follow the "undue hardship" analysis required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, but if the employer denies the request, they still must articulate some additional harm to their business beyond impacts on co-workers and scheduling. Courts are likely to extend this new standard to other protected characteristics, such as dreadlocks or head coverings.

Mr. Groff was a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service in east-central Pennsylvania. Rural mail carriers are required to provide relief functions to regular mail carriers and deliver mail during the weekend. With the rise of online shopping, the need for rural mail carriers to be present and ready to work on their assigned shifts is paramount.