Must I hire someone whose religious attire would make customers uncomfortable?

An individual wearing a Sikh turban applies for a position as a cashier at your discount store. You fear this religious attire will make customers uncomfortable. Is this a legitimate basis for an employment decision?

You cannot base a hiring decision on notions of customer preferences about religious attire. That would be the same as refusing to hire an individual because of that person's religion.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion, country of origin, race and color. Such discrimination is prohibited in any aspect of employment, including recruitment and hiring. As an employer, you have an ongoing responsibility to address workplace discrimination. Reaction to the events of September 11, 2001 demands even more effort in this regard.

You should consider proactive measures for preventing discrimination in hiring and other employment decisions. Remind your managers and employees that discrimination based on religion or national origin is not tolerated by the company in any aspect of employment, including hiring.

In addition, adopt objective standards for selecting new employees. It is important to hire people based on their qualifications for the job, rather than on perceptions about their religion, race or national origin.