USA - N.J. justices add religion jokes to workplace ban

Jason Cutler

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 on 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.

A lawyer for the police department said the ruling means ethnic jokes are essentially barred from the workplace, but a Jewish civil rights group applauded the ruling because it would encourage employees to think twice before making such remarks.

Cutler said a former chief referred to him as "the Jew," and once asked him "where (his) big Jew ... nose was." In addition, a lieutenant had told him "Jews are good with numbers" and "Jews make all the money."

Source: www.dailyrecord.com

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