Workplace Religious Expression

Lunch time! Makayla smiles, knowing she has been sitting at her desk all morning, buried in paperwork. She hides her crystals back into her desk drawer, then stands and walks to the small break room. The cravings of her prepared pita and hummus overwhelm her. As she opens the doors, she freezes. The sight of her colleagues standing in a tight circle, heads bowed and hands linked in prayer, strikes her. Her chest tightens. An awkward feeling washes over her. She hears John, her supervisor’s voice.

“…thank you for watching over each and everyone of us, Lord, as we work to create a great nation for the people in our country. Bless everyone here today with well-being and…” Makayla slowly backs out of the room, attempting to prevent disturbing the group.

“Makayla!”

A voice startles her. The prayer stops. Eyes swivel towards her, searing through her.

“Sorry, I was about to—”

“No, come and join us. We’re in group prayer.” John calmly offers, extending his hand to her. “You’re a follower, right?”

She shudders. Her stomach twists in knots. If she accepts, would she betray her beliefs? If she refuses…will she be employeed the next day?

Presently, the above scenario could be considered a Title VII violation. Recently, The Washington post published an article citing the Trump Administration encourages practicing your religion openly during work acceptable for all federal workers. It also urges employees to persuade and recruit others to join religious institutions.

Let’s be honest, presently in the United States, Christianity remains the most practiced religion. However, before 2025, the first amendment served as a legal-basis for seperation of chuch and state, which provided an inclusive workspace for all citizens. Since January, 2025, the Trump Administration embraced language and practice that promotes a white Christian nation. A move critics argue undermines the constitution.

One such initiative, Project 2025, created by Heritage Foundation, outlines reform for a US government based on conservative and Christian priorities. Detractors warn it blurs the line between faith and governance, potentially pressuring non-Christian citizens to conform or self-censor.

Praticioners of other religions, such as Muslims, Buddhists, and Wiccans, may experience hostile work environments. If open religionous expression becomes normalized for one religious group, others may feel excluded, scrutinized, or even threatened. This risks not only discomfort but also discrimination. Especially if supervisors and managers fail to protectthis small group of employees.

I am not against people expressing their religious beliefs around me. Those who wish to read the bible, have my blessing. Those bowing to the sun or chanting, I respect. I hope there are more open-minded individuals who will accept people, regardless of their religious beliefs and backgrounds, but only time will tell the outcome of this announcement from Trump.

The Washington Post also shares other possible outcomes and consequences regarding Trump’s announcement and worth a read, if you have time. I will always advocate for freedom of everyone because I believe understanding our differences helps to create a unique America. I know many people who follow the Christian faith and have never experienced anyone persuading me to join the religion. Most of the Christians I have met, express their belief openly without realizing I don’t share their sentiment. I’ve witnessed children in the classroom opting to read the bible over a chapter book and felt indifferent about their choice of reading. If that what it takes to have a child read, then perfect.

What you can do: Continue to be open-minded about other religions. Express your own, but respect people’s choice to either join you, or follow their spiritual path.

Click here for the Link to the Washington Post Article.