The EEOC has released new guidance regarding discrimination based on religion, national origin or race, advice that applies to the federal sector as well as to the private sector since both operate under the same body of law in that area, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
The commission said that the guidance was timely in light of recent events in the U.S. and elsewhere that have “heightened concerns about workplace protections for all employees, including individuals who are, or are perceived to be, Muslim or Middle Eastern.”
Topics addressed include hiring considerations, protections for the wearing of religious attire, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policies and procedures, accommodation for prayer such as use of a room for that purpose at certain times, and background investigations.
Regarding the latter, the guidance notes: “Security clearance determinations for positions subject to national security requirements under a federal statute or an Executive Order are not subject to review under the equal employment opportunity statutes.”
