Beard as Religious Accommodation

An applicant for a security-related job filed a complaint because the employer refused to modify its grooming policy to allow his beard as a religious accommodation.  Respondent told Complainant during the interview that there was no exemption for “things that don’t fit our grooming standards for uniformed officers.”  Complainant voiced surprise at the accommodation denial, as he had been granted a religious accommodation for his beard while serving as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces.  Respondent claimed that the applicant was not actually qualified for the position but admitted that its strict grooming policy has no exceptions; it asserted that everyone is treated the same in that regard.  Respondent further admitted its policies had additional disparate impacts, screening out any applicant whose religion requires facial hair or applicants with certain medical conditions.  The Commission found substantial evidence of religious discrimination. The parties reached an agreement.  All terms and conditions of the conciliation agreement were met and the case was closed February 24, 2025.