Mahinder, a practicing Sikh, is hired by Octagonian Steel Fabricators as a forklift driver. Occupational safety regulations and company rules require all employees in the plant to wear a hardhat. Mahinder refuses to wear the hardhat because he is unwilling to cover his turban. Octagonian fires Mahinder, who brings a case under Title VII in which he alleges discrimination based on religion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Title VII requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees' religious beliefs and practices, but not if it would create an undue hardship on the employer. In this case, the hardhat is required for safety reasons, and not wearing one would compromise safety. Therefore, accommodating Mahinder's religious belief by allowing him to forego the hardhat would create an undue hardship on the employer.

Mahinder, a Practicing Sikh, Is Hired by Octagonian Steel Fabricators