Case Summary: McGinnis
was a postal worker who processed forms and paperwork as a window clerk. When
tasked with processing draft registration materials she declined as a
conscientious objector, based on her objections to conscription and war. When
people approached her workstation with draft registration materials she
politely directed them to another window. McGinnis was warned that refusing to
process these materials would endanger her job. When faced with this warning
she refused to handle the draft registration materials and was subsequently
fired. She filed suit, based on religious discrimination found under Title VII.
Although she wasn’t connected to any formal church, she grew
up with strong ties/affiliations to the Quaker community. Additionally, her
brother and father were conscientious objectors when faced with the draft.
When the case went to court, the judge found that the Postal
Service was unable to prove undue hardship. Not once did the Postal Service try
and accommodate her beliefs, for example by having her work at a window that
didn’t process those materials. Additionally, employees at other postal offices
who offered similar objections were accommodated. The Postal Service’s claim
that this would lead to a slippery slope was also ruled as unfounded.
Group Opinion:
Based on the readings in Chapter 8, we strongly concur with the ruling declared
in this case. Although her opinions may not be popular, the freedom to exercise
one’s religion is a constitutionally enshrined amendment, and as such, should
be defended.
On the whole I agree with the group and court. I could see how it would be inconvenient for the post office to accommodate individuals in instances like this where duties have been outlined, and cannot be preformed based on beliefs. It is my opinion that Walker should have discussed special accommodations when hired.
ReplyDeleteShe is free to exercise her religion and she is protected by Title VII