Abstract The paper discusses the lack of progress in preventing religiousdiscrimination in schools or throughout the social order. The paper explains that this is because there is a subjective attitude regarding what can be classified as religiousdiscrimination; even in the United States House of Representatives some believe that certain forms of religiousdiscrimination are acceptable, while the highest court demands that the separation of church and state be universal law. The paper shows how the methods of limiting such discrimination are few and ineffective, preventing deterrence from discrimination on a large scale.
From the Paper "Discrimination has been an issue that has existed since the beginning of society in the United States in one form or another. Racial discrimination and discrimination based on gender have been the most discussed forms of discriminatory practices since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Religious discrimination has also been of primary concern throughout society, especially in relation to those of religious faiths other than Christianity. This is perhaps because the founders of the nation supported this religious philosophy and the bulk of Americans have continued to practice the Christian faith as well. Yet, the founding fathers believed that public education was not the place in which religion should guide instruction. This was perhaps because education, as an unwritten rule, requires that the student's mind be open to new ideas and concepts that may be different than his or her social norms. Therefore, the separation of church and state became a guiding principle in the public school system."
Abstract This paper examines the breadth of employment law, particularly as it applies to religiousdiscrimination. The essay discusses the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically Chapter VII, as it pertains to the issue and offers specific examples of potential religiousdiscrimination.
Abstract The paper examines the Workplace Religious Freedom Act (WRFA) by comparing it to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The paper supports the thesis that the WRFA legislation, since it allows broader circumstances for employees to file lawsuits for religiousdiscrimination, causes financial hardships for American employers. The paper contends that the WRFA weakens the workforce and the economy in America by dissuading employers from hiring religious employees.
Outline:
History of Religious Freedom in the workplace and the Shifting Balance of Power
Similarities of the WRFA to the ADA
Costs of Compliance to the Employer
Conclusion
From the Paper "Under the tenets and principles that govern the United States, every person has a right to practice the religion of their choice without hindrance from any other person or entity. At the same time, employers have the right to conduct business in a profitable manner. When these two rights come into conflict with one another, it often becomes an issue of balance of power. In some cases, a reasonable accommodation can be made that will satisfy both the needs of the employee and the needs of the employer. However, sometimes accommodations pose a substantial financial risk to the employer."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses the elements of religiousdiscrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The writer also evaluates how his employer, Homes and Services, Inc. (HS) ensures its protection from such a liability through its policies and procedures, and a supportive work environment. Finally, the writer reviews his employer's actions and makes recommendations for improvement. The paper shows how, although no organization is immune from the threat of discrimination claims being filed, it can certainly take careful and crucial steps to protect its employees and the company itself.
From the Paper "The American public most commonly converses about sexual discrimination and race discrimination. However, among the charges being presented to the EEOC on a yearly basis, are a rapidly growing number of religious discrimination claims. Employment discrimination claims increased by 4.5 percent from 2001 to 2002, with much of that increase coming from ethnicity and religion after the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). Nationally, religious discrimination charges by the EEOC rose from 1,939 in 2000 to 2,572 in 2002 and just in 2006 alone the EEOC reported 2,541 charges of religious discrimination, remaining roughly at that level every year (Sostek, 2007). It is clear that employees are experiencing more negativity in the workplace regarding their religious beliefs and practices, and only Title VII offers them protection from this type of discrimination."
Abstract This essay elaborates on arguments contending that teaching the theory of intelligent design in American schools would not only threaten biology, it would threaten society as well. The paper cites evidence that the true intention of proponents of the theory of intelligent design is to replace scientific explanations with the theistic understanding that nature and human beings are created by God.
From the Paper "While the proponents of intelligent design are selling their ideas by saying that they are based in sound science, nothing could be farther from the truth. They have tried to get their views taught in schools by bypassing every accepted form of scientific review. They have taken over school boards in order to change curriculum and, in doing so, have exposed themselves as cultural crusaders, not scientists. In fact, this argument has never been about improving science, but rather it is about hijacking an entire society. With their plan called the Wedge, they intend not to stop at having biology thrown out of school curriculums, but to go on to recreate society in their own image. To let this happen would be to allow American democracy to die."
A discussion on the division between church and state over the role of the American government in the religious convictions of its people, and vice versa.
Abstract The following paper examines the way in which the American government mandates that children will attend school, that there will be teachers, and there will be education. This paper asserts that if the latter is mandatory, then the government must decide what religious value or training will be mandatory. The debate explores how on the one side many have suggested that no religion be instituted, whereas on the other side just as many say that no religion is the same thing as preaching the religion of atheism or agnosticism. The writer examines how many Christians want a more exclusively Christian environment, while many atheists or agnostics want to decrease the level of religious power invested in school systems. Both sides have problems with their issues, and may be extremists in theory, in actions, and in rhetoric. This paper suggests a solution to this everlasting debate.
From the Paper "As the American government has progressed from a withdrawn state where it controlled little more than a militia and trade treaties to being an authoritarian structure which oversees everything from highway speeds to public education, the basis for change in its relationship to religion was firmly sown. A government which does not regulate public schools, or zoning laws, has in every field a very different role from one which does, but this is particularly important in the role of religious and ethical convictions. The difference between being tax-exempt and not tax-exempt is tremendous. The difference between having a building license or not changes the entire scope of a ministry. Perhaps most important, though, is the increased need for the government to determine what schools will teach about religion, if they teach anything at all"
This paper examines the topic of situational discrimination, which has come to the forefront post September 11, as well as a case study on this particular subject.
Abstract This paper presents the case study of Nadia Bara, a Middle Eastern Muslim high school student residing in the U.S. This case study was conducted during the post-9/11 period, at a time when America was at war against a particular religious faction - Middle Eastern Muslims. This paper discusses the situational discrimination faced by Bara in school and in her community after September 11, when most Americans viewed Muslims as the enemy. The writer contends that the results of this case study proved that individuals like Nadia and other Muslims have been the victims of a cultural racism and subversive bigotry that can be directly linked to several factors including the media and the film industry. The writer also details why situational discrimination continues to be so commonplace in America.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview
Analysis
A Discussion of Any Questions That From This Case Study
Scholarly Work to Substantiate Your Analysis
Conclusion
My Understanding of the Case Study
References
From the Paper "America has long practiced situational discrimination. "The Gulf War intensified anti-Arab hostility in the United States. Before the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, ADC had recorded five anti-Arab hate crimes for the year. Immediately after the invasion, from August 2 1990 until February 2, 1991, ADC recorded 86 incidents." When Americans come under fire, they often turn to racial profiling, discrimination and isolationism as solutions for security and to resolve inherent fears. Ironically, as the case shows, Nadia never really felt different as much as she did after the terrorist attacks. But others have gone through this before. Consider the Japanese Americans, German and Italian American during WWII. Each of these groups or cultures was ostracized by former friends and neighbors. "After a few days, Sugo Ikeda saw clear similarities between Tuesday's terrorist attacks and the aftermath of Pearl Harbor nearly 60 years ago."
Tags: muslim, islam, discrimination, september, 11, terrorism, case, study
Abstract This paper touches on several simple examples of workplace discrimination based on religion. It shows that with the continued expansion of the global market, situations of discrimination will continue to grow in difficulty. Employers must ensure they remain informed about changes in laws and create policies to comply with these laws. The paper suggests that training should be conducted on a continual basis to make managers, supervisors, and employees aware of discriminatory practices.
Paper Outline
Harassment
Undue Hardship
Workplace Rights: Muslims, Arabs, South Asians and Sikhs
Employer Responsibilities
Help from the EEOC
Conclusion
From the Paper "The EEOC is available to provide information and answer questions on how to best deal with workplace discrimination. Their website has a wealth of information translated into a simpler language than provided by laws and court examples. The EEOC also conducts training and can provide a format that is appropriate for all businesses. Small businesses face unique challenges that have warranted establishing Small Business Liaisons available to assist with compliance of laws."
This in-depth paper analyzes the issue of discrimination in the workplace, while supplying a comprehensive evaluation to key issues relevant to this topic.
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper contends and explains why discrimination in the workforce is a growing problem that has affected thousands of organizations, large and small operating in today's global marketplace. This paper defines discrimination in the workplace as any type of behavior, action, belief, value or attitude that impacts another individual in a negative manner, that is based on one's racial identity, gender, sex, disability status, age or some other personal factor. This paper cites the many laws and acts that have been enacted to protect individuals from various forms discrimination. The most basic law that protects employees from discrimination on the job is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits job discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, age, gender, religious belief or national origin. The paper also details the impact of affirmative action in the workplace. Depending on the organization, affirmative action is necessary in an environment where one population or subgroup of people has been continually underrepresented or disadvantaged. This paper analyzes the impact these laws have on human resource departments. Human resource departments have an obligation under the law to inform all employees of their legal rights relating to discrimination in the workplace.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discrimination Discrimination Laws
Affirmative Action in the Workplace
Human Resources and Discrimination Conclusions/Recommendations
References
From the Paper "Affirmative action may be necessary in an employment environment where one population or subgroup of people has been continually underrepresented or disadvantaged. It truly depends on the organization. It can be a means of protecting certain classes or groups of people and ensuring that everyone in the workplace is afforded the same access to employment and the same employment opportunities. It is not designed to be a form of reverse discrimination. There is adequate evidence suggesting that discrimination still exists in the workplace. Until discrimination is completely abolished and is no longer an issue, a need for affirmative action programs and other programs geared toward eliminating inequities continues."
Abstract This paper explores religious differences in the workplace and how those can best be accommodated. The author defines discrimination and prejudice. The paper includes sample situations of religious persecution including working under a supervisor who expresses his beliefs.
Abstract The financing of schools has often been a subject of debate. This debate is particularly exhausting when discussing the financing of public schools and the disparities that exists between the quality of education in wealthy communities and poor communities. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate who should pay for education and the best tax system. In addition, the evaluation compares the cost between public, private and religiousschools.
Outline
Introduction
Public Schools Private and ReligiousSchools Conclusion
From the Paper "While to most it seems obvious that increased funding to poor schools would positively affect student scholastic achievement, others argue that the problem with public schools does not lie only with the amount of money that schools receive but the structure of the curriculum in public schools. However, an article found in the journal American Economist reveals the results of a study conducted in Pennsylvania schools, which suggests that the amount of money spent on each student was correlated with scholastic achievement (Klick)."
Abstract This paper explains that despite strong laws against religiousdiscrimination in its new constitution, there is still wide spread religious intolerance in Germany, which again was acerbated with the reunification because, although Western Germany's population had been carefully reeducated against Nazism, Eastern Germany's population has not had the same experience. The author points out that Germany's problems with religious persecution did not begin with Hitler and the Nazis, they go as far back as Charlemagne, King of the Franks, a Germanic tribe, creator of the first European central government in the Middle Ages, who was inhospitable not only with the Jews but also with the pagan Saxons, another Germanic tribe. The paper relates that the Christian anti-Semitism of Martin Luther, which was part of the tradition of Medieval Christian anti-Semitism, laid the social and cultural basis for modern anti-Semitism, although modern anti-Semitism was based on the pseudo-scientific notions of race.
Table of Contents
Religious Persecution in Medieval Germany
Persecution of the Pagan Saxons
Religious Persecution of the Jews in Medieval Germany
Anti-Semitism during the Reformation
Germany's Long History of Religious Divisiveness
Religious Intolerance in Germany Today
A Possible Cure?
From the Paper "The Capitulary went on to make any practice of this earlier religion not only a sin against the Church but also a crime against the State. The Capitulary stated that if any one shall have formed a conspiracy with the pagans against the Christians, or shall have wished to join with them in opposition to the Christians, let him be punished by death. It went to demand that whoever shall have consented to this same fraudulently against the king and the Christian people, let him be punished by death. Finally, the Capitulary decreed that if any one shall have shown himself unfaithful to the lord king; let him be punished with a capital sentence.
Charlemagne eradicated any open pagan practices in Medieval Europe; he also had many recalcitrant practitioners of the pagan religion killed for not converting to Christianity and paying their tithes."
Abstract The paper presents Diversified Enterprises, Incorporated's statement of discrimination policies. The company explains that they provide this handout as an outline of the requirements of Title VII, so that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities under Title VII. The company discusses their compliance with these requirements that outlaw any form of discrimination and sexual harassment. The company claims that they work aggressively to ensure that all anti-discrimination laws are fully carried out.
Outline:
Title VII Requirements
Good Faith Occupational Qualifications
The Law Forbids Retaliation
Ordinary Discipline Is Not Retaliation
ReligiousDiscrimination Is Not Tolerated
The Company Will Try to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
Employee's Responsibilities
Sexual Harassment Is Not Legal
Policy Against Sexual Harassment
Prohibited Behavior
Monitoring
Discipline
Retaliation
Complaint Procedure
From the Paper "The key law which we must follow is Title VII. Title VII is the most important federal law protecting against discrimination in the workplace, but it is not the only law. Other laws prohibit discrimination based on age, pregnancy status, citizenship, disability, or union membership. Because of its preeminence in the field of employment discrimination, the Company has provided this handout as an outline of the requirements of Title VII, so that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities under Title VII, and are aware of the responsibilities of the employee under this law."
Abstract This paper analyzes enforcement measures of religious practices in schools and their relevance. Included us a description of important decisions about issues such as prayers and a look at how this effects students.
From the Paper "Our nation was founded on the beliefs of the Christian religion. This is apparent in the constitution, pledge of allegiance, and all of our monetary units. Although this was the case when the nation was founded, our society has changed in many ways. We are no longer a single religion society, but rather a diverse community of many backgrounds and religions. "
Abstract This paper argues that the place for religious teaching is at home or in a church setting, not in public schools. The paper presents legal, moral, and ethical reasons why religion should not be taught in public schools and should be left to the domain of religious institutions, families, and private settings.
From the Paper "No subject in the history of this great country has the ability to unite or divide people quite like the subject of religion. The dominant religion in America is Christianity, and so in this country religion is virtually synonymous with God. But consider, for a moment, those in the minority who do not worship the Christian God, along with those who worship no deity at all. For these people, living in America is a difficult undertaking. For these people, the subject of religion in public schools has a different meaning than it has for the majority. For these people, religion in public schools is a frightening concept; a concept that brings about visions of their precious children being taught values that differ greatly from their own, by the very people who are charged with fostering their intellectual growth. Religion in America's public schools should, however, be a frightening concept for all Americans, regardless of faith or lack thereof. To put God or any other deity into the curriculum of public schools does a terrible disservice to children of all faiths and deteriorates the foundation upon which this free nation was built."
