Guidelines for religious expression in federal workplaces

President Clinton issued guidelines this week clarifying current law on how faith and belief may be expressed in the federal workplace, a move welcomed by many groups.

Here are some directives:

-- An employee can keep a Bible or Koran on a private desk to read during breaks.

-- In cafeterias, hallways and other informal settings, employees can discuss their religious views if they are permitted to discuss other nonreligious topics, such as politics.

-- Proselytizing is permitted unless a person being proselytized asks for it to stop or demonstrates in some other way that it is unwelcome.

-- Unless there is a safety concern, employees can wear personal religious jewelry unless similar nonreligious jewelry is banned. Likewise, employees can display religious art in their personal work area if other art is allowed and it is clear that the art is a personal religious expression of that employee.

-- A supervisor may invite co-workers to a child’s confirmation or bar mitzvah but cannot say to an employee, “I didn’t see you in church this week. I expect to see you there this Sunday.”

-- Employees are allowed to gather at lunchtime for Bible study and prayer in an empty conference room that is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

-- An agency must accommodate employee’s Sabbath or religious holiday observances if an adequate substitute is available or if the absence of the employee would not otherwise cause an “undue burden” on the agency.

-- An employee can wear a crucifix, a yarmulke, a head scarf or hijab, or other religious attire as part of his or her religious practice as long as it does not “unduly interfere” with the operations of the workplace.

-- A Jehovah’s Witness should not be compelled to take a loyalty oath if it is contrary to his or her religious beliefs.

-- A supervisor can place a Christmas wreath over the entrance of the office’s main reception area during the holiday season.