Full question:
I am a teacher in a central New Jersey school system who is being asked to attend an in service day on a federal holiday (Columbus Day). I chose to observe the federal holiday with my family and not attend the scheduled in service program. The school district was closed for students. Only teachers were expected to report to the school. Will I be penalized? What rights do I have to observe a federal holiday?
- Category: Employment
- Date:
- State: New Jersey
Answer:
There is no federal law that requires an employer to provide time off, paid or otherwise, to employees on nationally recognized holidays. Federal law requires an employer to "reasonably accommodate" an employee's religious observances, practices and beliefs unless the employer can show that accommodation would cause an "undue hardship" to the employer's business.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
