Religious Accommodations
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is required to provide reasonable accommodation for religious reasons unless to do so would impose an undue hardship.
Religious Accommodation
A reasonable religious accommodation is an adjustment to the work environment that enables an individual to practice their sincerely held religious beliefs while continuing to perform the essential functions of their position or to access employment opportunities on an equal basis. This includes, but is not limited to, schedule modifications, leave for religious observances, and dress or grooming practices required for religious reasons.
For example, an employee may request a modified or flexible work schedule to participate in a religious practice or observance, and a service member may request an exception to a military requirement that conflicts with a religious expression.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires employers to reasonably accommodate the religious practice of an employee or prospective employee, unless to do so would cause an undue hardship to the employer. If the employer reasonably requires additional information, the employer and the individual should engage in an interactive process to discuss the request and identify the most effective accommodation for both parties.
Know Your Rights
Coast Guard Commitment to Religious Freedom
The United States Coast Guard supports expressive activities, to include religious expression. Accommodation of sincerely held religious beliefs is a pillar of the Coast Guard’s commitment to treating all service members with dignity and respect. The Coast Guard works to support each service member’s religious practices to the broadest extent possible within the bounds of military readiness, unit cohesion, good order, discipline, health and safety. Discrimination on the basis of religion is contrary to the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
This commitment applies to all Coast Guard personnel (active duty and reserve military, and civilian, including Non-Appropriated Fund employees). In accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard Civil Rights Manual, COMDTINST 5350.4 (series) discrimination on the basis of religion is illegal. All personnel are encouraged to consult the Civil Rights Manual for more information.
To learn more about workplace religious accommodation, please review these additional resources provided by the USCG and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):