Religion a funny thing. Throughout the history of mankind it’s fueled so much hate, war, and death. And yet, it brings so much peace, comfort, and love to so many people.
My philosophy is live and let live. You believe what you want, and I’ll believe what I want. Your religion is none of my business, just as mine is none of yours.
The world we be a better place is everyone lived this message. But not everyone does.
Consider, for example, a lawsuit the EEOC recently filed against Hackensack Meridian Health:
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, Hackensack was aware of but failed to stop a hostile work environment at its Edison, N.J., facility. Shortly after the employee was hired to perform clinical data analytics work, his manager learned he was Catholic and reacted negatively upon seeing a crucifix in the employee’s office. Since then, the manager regularly belittled him, screamed at him, and ridiculed his work in front of others.
Says EEOC New York Regional Attorney Jeffrey Burstein, “All employees are entitled to work in an environment free from … hostile treatment motivated by an employee’s religious beliefs.” Adds EEOC New York District Director Kevin Berry, “People of all religions are entitled to go to work and do their jobs without fear of harassment.”
Amen.
This post originally appeared on the Ohio Employer’s Law Blog, and was written by Jon Hyman, Partner, Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis. Jon can be reached at via email at jhyman@meyersroman.com, via telephone at 216-831-0042, on LinkedIn, and on Twitter.
