NJ Court: Religion Slurs Created Hostile Workplace

July 31, 2008

Author: Jeffrey Gold

Source: Newsday.com

Wire Service: AP

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--sconj-hostileenvi0731jul31,0,3178080.story

Derogatory comments about a Jewish police officer's religion were more than just teasing and constituted a hostile work environment, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decision could have widespread impact, as the court determined that the standard for demonstrating religious discrimination is the same as that for sexual or racial harassment.

The 5-0 decision by New Jersey's highest court upheld a Camden County jury ruling in favor of the Haddonfield police officer Jason Cutler. It reversed an appellate ruling that characterized the remarks as "teasing." Two justices did not participate.