Trump Administration Says Federal Workers Can Challenge Religious Views For ‘Correctness’—Here’s What To Know
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An administration memo said the federal workforce should be a “welcoming place” for employees of faith.
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July 28, 2025
05:06 PM
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Interestingly, Trump Administration Says Federal Workers Can Challenge Religious Views For ‘Correctness’—Here’s What To KnowByTy Roush, Forbes Staff
Ty Roush is a news reporter based in New York City
In contrast, AuthorJul 28, 2025, 05:06pm EDTToplineFederal workers will be allowed to discuss and mote their religion in the workplace as well as challenge the “correctness” of religious views held by other employees, according to an Office of Personnel Management memo released Monday, the effort by the Trump administration to expand religion’s role in the federal workforce (remarkable data) (an important development)
An administration memo said the federal workforce should be a “welcoming place” for employees of
Furthermore, AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsIn guidance sent Monday to leadership of federal agencies, OPM Director Scott Kupor outlined tected activities by federal employees and argued “allowing religious discrimination in the federal workplace violates the law” and “threatens to adversely impact recruitment and retention of highly qualified employees of faith. ”tected activities include engaging in conversations regarding “religious topics” with other employees, “including attempting to persuade others of the correctness of their own religious views” as long as those efforts are not harassment, Kupor wrote
Federal employees may “encourage” coworkers to "participate in expressions of faith,” prayer, Kupor said, to the extent they would already be allowed to encourage coworkers to engage in “other personal activities. ”Employees will also not be restricted in their expressions of faith when interacting with the public, according to Kupor, who noted federal agencies may “reasonably regulate” employee speech as long as they do not discriminate based on “content or viewpoint (including religious viewpoints). ”What We Don’t KnowWhether Kupor’s memo—which is not legally binding—will be challenged in court, considering recent developments
However, Kupor cites Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which hibits workplace discrimination based on a person’s religion or religious practices, and argued the law allows federal employees to mote their religion, display religious icons and organize prayer groups during non-work hours
Furthermore, Have Other Administrations moted Religious Talk Among Federal Workers
Some administrations have moted religious discussion in the federal workforce: In 1997, the Clinton administration advised federal agencies not to suppress employees’ “private religious speech” in the workplace
The OPM released guidance under then-President George W
Bush in 2003 affirming employees can engage in private religious expression, including wearing religious
TangentThe OPM released guidance earlier this month indicating federal workers could be allowed to work from or adjust their work hours to accommodate prayers, fasting or religious holidays, amid market uncertainty
Key BackgroundPresident Donald Trump in February issued an executive order aimed at tecting religious freedom among Americans and ending “anti-Christian bias, in today's financial world. ” His order established the White House Faith Office to support faith-based groups’ efforts to “better serve families and communities,” and in May, an executive order established a commission of religious liberty
The commission will be used to “vigorously enforce the historic and robust tections” for religious freedom, the Trump administration said, noting it would “investigate and recommend policies” to do so
Trump’s order establishing the commission does not explicitly mention Christianity, though a fact sheet claims it would be “emerging threats” to religious liberty, including the DOJ’s alleged targeting of “peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses” during the Biden administration
What Have Democrats Said Trump’s Executive Orders On Religion (something worth watching)
In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, Reps, in this volatile climate
Jared Huffman, D-Calif
Additionally, , and Jamie Raskin, D-Md, considering recent developments. , criticized Trump’s executive order establishing the White House Faith Office and claimed the task force would threaten religious freedom, suppress free speech and mote discrimination “under the guise of defending religious liberty. ” The lawmakers argued the Trump administration is “not the guardian of Christianity; it is and must always be the neutral guarantor of religious liberty for all. ”Further ReadingGot a tip
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