Trump Admin Bolsters Religious Accommodations for Federal Workers

In a significant move to bolster religious liberty within the federal workforce, Scott Kupor, the newly appointed head of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under President Donald Trump, has rolled out fresh guidance aimed at curbing religious discrimination. This directive, issued in Kupor’s first week, targets executive agency directors with a clear message: prioritize religious accommodations for employees.

The memo underscores a commitment to flexibility, advocating for options like telework, adjustable schedules, and various leave policies to honor reasonable religious needs without hampering operational efficiency. It’s a balancing act, but one that leans heavily toward supporting employees’ faith-based requests.

Drawing on legal bedrock, Kupor references Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the pivotal 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Groff v. DeJoy, which raised the bar for employers to deny accommodations by requiring proof of substantial cost. Agencies are urged to adopt a generous stance, ensuring that federal workers aren’t forced to choose between their beliefs and their careers.

This push aligns with an executive order from Trump in May, which cemented religious liberty as a cornerstone of federal policy. The order mandates that all executive agencies staunchly uphold constitutional guarantees against discrimination. Kupor’s guidance doubles down, emphasizing that recruiting and retaining talented employees of faith benefits the government as a whole.

In a powerful statement, Kupor declared, 'Religious liberty is foundational.' He stressed that no federal employee should face a dilemma between faith and service, signaling that this administration intends to treat such matters with utmost seriousness. Even as in-person work requirements persist, the OPM affirms that reasonable accommodations remain a protected right under federal law.

This initiative isn’t just about compliance—it’s a cultural shift, aiming to weave respect for personal beliefs into the fabric of federal employment. As this policy unfolds, it could set a precedent for how workplace diversity, in its deepest sense, is honored.