Excelle

I wore a religious-themed t-shirt to work today because I'll be volunteering at my church for a kid's event tonight and it's the shirt they want thier volunteer staff to work. But look what my emplyer sent out yesterday - when I was gone (see below). From what people understand around here, personal messages can include religious messages. Now, I can understand why/how my shirt could be considered innappropriate without the religious message - it's kinda "loud" in that it's a bright color and the logo's are large. I talked to my mgr about it and she said just not to wear it again (so I wouldn't get in trouble with upper mgmt - not because she has a problem w/ it) and that she did notice that it had "God" on it - which further empasized to me that the "personal messages" really means religious messages.

 

Now I am irked about the thought of not being able to wear any religious clothing. I thought about going straight to H.R. to ask about it since they are the ones who sent the email. Is anyone familiar with the laws on this?

The following dress code is in effect for Fridays:

You can wear:

*       Regular business attire

*       Business casual attire

*       Casual attire

When wearing casual attire:

*       No jeans with holes or tattered appearance

*       No rubber flip flops

*       No shorts of any type (this includes Bermuda shorts)

*       No tank or halter tops

*       No sneakers

*       No caps/hats

*       Clothing that contains political or personal messages

Violation of the Policy:

If the clothes you wear to work are outside the guidelines set under the Dress Code, you may be:

*       Asked to go home to change

*       Given verbal warning

*       Given written warnings up to and including the loss of your employment

If you have any questions regarding this policy please address with your manager.

I know at my workplace, we were told if it's in the person's area, like an office, or cubicle, and neither the item nor the person is directing it at you, then it's okay. For us, it came up because a group of women were holding a bible study in one of the conference rooms, during office hours. It also came up because someone had a problem with religious stuff being in "common" areas, like the lunch room, or copy room. 

Since I'm not religious, I probably wouldn't have had an issue with your shirt, however, I would have issues with religious paraphanelia all over the office (in general).

Not sure if HR added that last part to the clothing, but because it says that, I would assume that, yes, they can call you on it. Just like if I wore a shirt abolishing your religion, or saying something extremely negative about it. They would be able to reprimand me the same. Or even a political message about Obama or what not.

So, I can see where they're coming from. Honestly, if I had a shirt on it that said very harsh negative things about your religion, would you truly be able to just "look away"? I'm sure HR is just covering themselves, and I don't blame them. It can get nasty in some work places.

 They may just not want you to where clothing with writing or phrases on them.  If you work in an office casual Friday usually still prohibits          t-shirts or shirts with slogans or any other type of obvious messages on them.