Opuku-Boateng

This is a case involving an employer’s obligation to accommodate a worker’s religious beliefs and, in particular, the commitment to observe the Sabbath. Kwasi Opuku-Boa-teng, a temporary employee of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (“the Department”), sought permanent employment with the Department. He was selected for a permanent position but, when he advised the Department that he was unable to work on Saturdays because of his religious beliefs, the Department terminated the hiring process. Opuku-Boateng sued the State of California and several Department officials (“the State”), claiming that the State denied him a position on the basis of his religion, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He sought reinstatement of employment and benefits, back pay, and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. The district court concluded that Opuku-Boateng had established a prima facie case of discrimination but that the State had demonstrated that accommodating his religious beliefs would have caused undue hardship. Accordingly, it entered judgment in favor of the State. We reverse.

BACKGROUND

Opuku-Boateng…

dissenting:

I would affirm the district court for the reasons stated by the district judge.