letter for religious exemption from vaccines

In its update, the EEOC has confirmed that in the context of religious accommodation issues, Title VII applies to requests for religious accommodation, but does not require employers to grant merely social, political, economic or personal-preference based requests. On October 25, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated its Technical Assistance document to provide employers guidance on considering religious exemptions to vaccine mandates under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sincerely held moral or ethical beliefs about right or wrong having the strength of religious views are protected, but may not need to be religious based as traditionally viewed. Under Wisconsin law, “creed” is defined as “a system of religious beliefs, including moral or ethical beliefs about right and wrong, that are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views”. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act requires consideration under its prohibition of discrimination on the basis of creed. While both the state Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 under federal law recognize religious exemptions, the consideration under each has some differences. In considering employee requests for an exemption from a vaccine mandate for religious reasons, employers need to consider the request under both state and federal law. In turn, employers are increasingly receiving requests from employees for exemptions from these mandatory vaccine policies for a wide variety of reasons, including medical, social, political, economic, and personal, as well as religious reasons.

Public Services, Infrastructure, TransportationĮmployers nationwide are implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in light of the Septemannouncement of President Biden’s “Path Out of the Pandemic” COVID-19 Action Plan.

They may also ask you to certify that you have not, and will not, use medications that also contain the same ingredients or were subject to the same development process of the COVID vaccine.Īnother red flag, says Frattarelli, is if you show up one day objecting to vaccines on a political basis, then try to claim a religious exemption. Many will look to see if you have ever requested a religious exemption for other vaccines that contain the same components of the COVID vaccine. While following these guidelines may increase the likelihood that you boss will accept your religious exemption, Frattarelli says some companies are challenging them based on your past behavior. 'Stick to your sincerely held religious belief.'Īt this time, religious exemptions do not appear to apply to testing mandates, although Wefer thinks that will eventually be challenged in court.

'Don't talk about science, don't talk about politics don't talk about your personal medical information,' Wefer cautions. There are also things you should not include in your letter. None of these accommodations are guaranteed, but they show you are willing to discuss options. Wefer says it is also best to request what you believe to be a 'reasonable accommodation.' That could be things like wearing a mask, submitting to regular COVID testing or working from home. In the letter, ask to meet with your boss to discuss your beliefs and request to begin a dialogue. It will add to the sincerity of the letter.'

'Include historical information about yourself, like sacraments you've made or things that are important to you in your religion.

Wefer says begin by writing a personal letter to your boss. She advises you not to use form letters you can find on the internet or to copy someone else's letter. To claim a religious exemption, workers’ rights attorney Dana Wefer says a personal approach is best. Generally, medical exemptions are being accepted with greater frequency, provide you have the documentation from a physician to back it up. cautioned, however, that employers do have the ability to challenge both exemptions, and their acceptance by your employer is not guaranteed. In many cases, if you refuse to be vaccinated, you could try to claim either a medical or religious exemption.Īttorney Peter Frattarelli with Archer & Greiner P.C.

Letter for religious exemption from vaccines