KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE  & SCHOOL THIS RAMADAN

The following information is only meant to serve as a guide and not as legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please Contact 612-206-3360 CAIR-Minnesota's Civil Rights Department.

Did you know that you are entitled to prayer and iftar breaks, as well as time off for Eid? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and particularly section 42 U.S.C § 2000e(j) allows an employee to take time off for sincerely held beliefs, as long as he or she gives sufficient notice and the accommodation does not result in an undue hardship for the employer.

Here are some do's and don'ts on how to request a religious accommodation:
 

• Do follow your employer's policies when requesting an accommodation. Before making your request, review your employer's policy and follow any procedures stated in the employee manual regarding notification and requesting time off.
   
• Do make clear that the reason you're requesting the accommodation is because of a religious belief or practice.
   
• Do keep a personal record of when and how your request was made, and whether and how it was accommodated.
   
• Do follow up verbal requests in writing to ensure a written record is kept.
   
• Don't recite the law please when requesting accommodation. Most employers will work with you to accommodate your requests for prayer and iftar breaks and time off on Eid.

 
To ensure your religious accommodation requests are granted, it is best to begin by following your employer's procedures.

If, however, your reasonable requests for prayer and iftar breaks are not accommodated, please cair Minnesota Civil Rights Department 612-206-3360