New EEOC Guidance on Religious Exemptions from Vaccinations

Nov 8, 2021, 5:07 PM

(from Fisher Phillips) The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) just updated its online COVID-19 technical guidance to further explain its position regarding religious objections to employer COVID-19 vaccination requirements, specifically relating to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The guidance includes seven key points, none of which appear to require changes to any workplace policies or practices consistent with previous discussion of the issues. The guidance underscores, however, the importance of having effective policies in place – including practices that inform applicants and employees how to request a religious accommodation – and ensuring effective training of company representatives who implement those policies.