Religion and Title VII of Civil Rights Act

Show notes:

In the first segment, our panelists discuss Title VII’s broad protection against discrimination based on religious observance or practice, extending beyond mere beliefs. Employers are generally required to accommodate religious observances, such as adjusting work schedules or modifying dress code policies, unless it causes undue hardship to the business. Crucially, employers must demonstrate undue hardship with specific evidence rather than making assumptions about potential difficulties. This nuanced approach seeks to balance religious freedom with business interests under Title VII.

In the second segment of the show, we explore the court case Fellowship of Christian Athletes v. San Jose Unified School District. This case revolves around a long-standing student club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which faced discrimination and harassment within the San Jose Unified School District in California. Despite welcoming all students, FCA required its leaders to align with its religious beliefs. After district officials labeled FCA as “discriminatory” and banned it from campus, FCA sought legal recourse. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, on August 29, 2022, ruled in favor of FCA, upholding the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act, ensuring fair treatment for the club and its religious leadership standards.

In the final segment, Tell Me Something I Don’t Know, each panelist quickly shares interesting pieces of information related to religious freedom.

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About the Show:
Faith and Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics and the examination of whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or your politics starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face to face?

Panelists:
Justin Giboney, Attorney, political strategist and co-founder and president of the AND Campaign; Todd McFarland, Deputy General Counsel General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Tim Schultz, President of 1st Amendment Partnership-An organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom for Americans of all faiths; Vialo Weis, Jr., attorney and departmental director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty and Planned Giving for Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

About Us:
North American Division Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) is a ministry dedicated to proclaiming and defending the God-given gift of religious freedom which is integral to our identity as Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Learn more about PARL at www.religiousliberty.info.