Religion and the Federal Workplace: Preventing Discrimination and Providing Accommodations

Title VII makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on religion – and it has for decades. However, this is one of the least understood categories in discrimination complaints. What does “discrimination” based on religion actually mean, what counts as a religion, and where’s the line between an offensive statement and a hostile work environment? Plus, what are your agency’s responsibilities and obligations when employees request a reasonable accommodation for religion?

In this 60-minute training, FELTG President and attorney Deborah J. Hopkins will answer these questions and more. She will also include a thorough discussion one OPM’s July 16, 2025 guidance about religious accommodations. Your agency shouldn’t miss this timely event.

Learning objectives

• Identify situations where religious discrimination may arise – and address it before it occurs.
• Understand the requirements of “unwelcome” and “sufficiently severe or pervasive” in religious harassment claims.
• Determine appropriate uses of telework as religious accommodation.

Training time

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Pricing

Standard (register through August 6, 2025): $250.00

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer?

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If, for some reason, your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

Can I earn CLE credits for this class?

CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you seek CLE credit, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You may also request a certificate of completion containing the number of training hours attended.

Can I share my access link with co-workers?

No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.

Can I register as a teleworker?

This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or attending from an agency facility.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation, and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24-hour advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Is this Training Compliant with the 2025 Executive Orders? 

All FELTG classes are in compliance with the Trump administration’s Executive Orders.