Hi Friend,
With April nearly upon us, Muslim Advocates wants to arm you with the knowledge you need to ensure that you are able to observe Ramadan and Eid at school and in the workplace. Our expert legal team has put together template letters that you can use to request a wide range of accommodations this Ramadan season. We’ve also put together “Know Your Rights” fact sheets that explain what rights you have in school and in the workplace.
Accommodation means supplying resources to satisfy a need. In this context, religious accommodation means reaching an agreement with your employer, college or school that enables you to practice your religious beliefs in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with your employment or education.
Federal, state and local laws protect the right to practice one’s religion in the workplace and at school. However, the right to religious accommodations is not absolute. It is conditioned by several factors, including, but not limited to, whether the place of employment or study is a public or private institution, the number of employees or students present, the nature of your job or education and the financial capacity of your employer or school. Regardless of your circumstances, you can always ask for reasonable accommodations, and you can do so alongside your colleagues or classmates.
Remember the saying, “Power in numbers”? Well, it is true. Your power grows when you operate collectively. As students, it might be difficult to take exams while fasting or during Iftar. And while a college or school may resist changing its schedule for one student, it might be more willing to accommodate a group of students. For workers, you may need to secure the cooperation of your colleagues to persuade your employer that your requested accommodation would not lead to workplace disruption.
College Eid Template Letter
College Ramadan and Eid Template Letter
School Eid Template Letter
School Ramadan Template Letter
When requesting individual accommodations or organizing a collective appeal, you might be worried about harassment or retaliation. Schools, colleges and employers are responsible for promoting a harassment-free environment, investigating allegations of harassment and remedying any findings of harassment targeting a protected group, such as a faith community. This responsibility doesn’t guarantee freedom from harassment or retaliation, but it means if you go to Court, your employer, school or college accountable may be held accountable.
Know Your Rights: A Guide to Seeking Religious Accommodations for Ramadan In School or College
Know Your Rights: A Guide to Seeking Religious Accommodations for Ramadan at Work
If you would like to learn more about your rights, including your right to religious accommodation, or if you are unsure how to proceed if your religious accommodation request was denied, you can talk to our attorneys. Reach out to us via email at [email protected] or leave us a message at (202) 897-2622 letting us know that you have a question or issue relating to religious accommodations, and one of our attorneys will call you back within 48-hours.
And in the meantime, we wish you a blessed Ramadan.
Sincerely,
Reem Subei
Senior Staff Attorney, Muslim Advocates