We, the undersigned, are calling for action to address the wrongful dismissal of religious accommodation cases by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under an outdated interpretation of "undue hardship."

Context:

• The Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Groff v. DeJoy has clarified what was always intended under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: that "undue hardship" must be substantial in the overall context of an employer's business, not merely any minor inconvenience or cost. This decision has restored the original understanding of the law.
• On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Commissioner Andrea R. Lucas as the Acting Chair of the EEOC, which could mark a significant shift in how the commission might interpret and apply civil rights laws, particularly those concerning religious freedom.

Our Concerns:

• Numerous cases involving religious accommodations were dismissed by the EEOC when employers argued that even slight costs or disruptions constituted an "undue hardship" under the misinterpreted "de minimis" standard. Under the clarified Groff standard, these dismissals appear unjustified.
• This has left many employees without the protections they are entitled to under the law, impacting their ability to practice their faith in the workplace.

We Request:

1. Reevaluation of Dismissed Cases: The EEOC, under its new leadership, should review all cases dismissed based on the incorrect "de minimis" interpretation of undue hardship. These cases should be reassessed in light of the Groff v. DeJoy clarification to ensure adherence to the law's original intent.
2. Advocacy and Support: We urge legal and advocacy groups, particularly the Pacific Justice Institute, to assist affected individuals in reopening these cases or advocating for their rights under the clarified standard.
3. Education on Rights: The EEOC and advocacy groups should work together to educate employees about their rights under the now clarified standard, promoting awareness and understanding of how to seek religious accommodations without fear of unjust dismissal.

Why This Matters:

• Upholding religious freedoms is fundamental to our civil liberties.
• Correctly applying the law ensures fairness in the workplace, supporting both religious freedom and workplace efficiency.

Join Us: By signing this petition, you stand with MERFERG.org and countless others who seek justice for their religious practices in the workplace. Let's ensure that the EEOC under Commissioner Lucas's leadership returns to and upholds the true intent of civil rights protections.