If you experience discrimination as a result of your religious views, your experiences could negatively affect your life in multiple ways. For example, you could feel very uncomfortable at work or you might lose your position altogether. In addition, you could face a demotion or struggle to find a job due to discrimination during the hiring process.
Many people understand how widespread other types of discrimination are, such as sex-based discrimination or mistreatment due to one’s age or racial background. That said, it is important to take a look at data on religious discrimination in order to understand the prevalence of this problem.
Religious discrimination charge statistics
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides data on religious discrimination charges they received in recent years. During fiscal year 2021, the agency received over 2,100 religion-based discrimination receipts, compared to 2,404 in fiscal year 2020, 3,825 in fiscal year 2016 and more than 4,100 in fiscal year 2011. It is important to remember that these figures do not count charges filed with agencies at the local or state level.
Benefits secured through religious discrimination charge filings
Based on EEOC data, charge filings alleging religion-based discrimination resulted in $9.5 million worth of monetary benefits over the course of fiscal year 2021, $6.1 million in fiscal year 2020 and $9.9 million throughout fiscal year 2019. Benefits secured via litigation are not counted in these figures.
Aside from the potential financial benefits associated with holding an employer accountable for violating your rights, you could also find peace of mind and prevent additional instances of religious discrimination from occurring in the future.
