James, an Orthodox Jew, was recently hired as a salesperson for a large department store chain. James informed his manager that he must be home before sundown on Fridays to observe the Sabbath. His manager refused to grant James' request not to work on Friday evenings and Saturdays, even though James had found a qualified co-worker to swap hours. Has James been subject to illegal discrimination?
- No. James has not been discriminated against because it is hard to find employees who are willing to work on Friday nights and Saturdays. If the manager gives James these days off, then other employees will want the days off to socialize with friends.
- Yes. James has been discriminated against because employers must grant all employee requests for schedule changes unless the requests are completely unreasonable.
- No. James has not been discriminated against because the manager who denied James' request is also an Orthodox Jew and would not discriminate against someone of his own religion.
- Yes. James has been discriminated against because employers must make workplace changes for the religious practices of employees, unless it would be too costly or disruptive to do so. Because James has found someone willing and able to cover his shifts, it is unlikely that granting his request would be burdensome for the employer.