My journey to the Supreme Court began unexpectedly. The recent decision in Groff v. DeJoy has profound implications for religious liberty in the American workplace, and I'm humbled to have been at the center of it.
Coming from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, community service has always been important to me. Even during my mission work abroad, Lancaster remained my home, the place where my family and faith took root. Becoming a postal carrier for the USPS in Lancaster seemed ideal: a fulfilling job, serving my community, and respecting the Sabbath.
This balance shifted when the USPS partnered with Amazon for Sunday deliveries. Suddenly, I faced a difficult choice: uphold my religious beliefs or risk my livelihood.
Initially, my supervisor and I collaborated on a solution. I volunteered for holiday shifts (excluding Sundays) and increased my weekday and Saturday workload to compensate.
I deeply appreciate the support from my colleagues, many of whom understood the significance of honoring the Sabbath for me. They often covered my Sunday shifts, demonstrating the mutual respect and understanding that should exist in any workplace. This case, in many ways, is also about them and their commitment to religious freedom for everyone.
While I was flexible and willing to accommodate the USPS, they were unwilling to reciprocate. Had I compromised my beliefs and worked even a few Sundays, I could have gained enough seniority for a full-time route with Sundays off. However, this meant choosing between a career advancement and a core tenet of my faith. I chose to honor my religious convictions, trusting in God's plan, even if it meant sacrificing my seniority and the prospect of a full-time position.
Instead of respecting my beliefs, the USPS subjected me to disciplinary actions, pay cuts, and a hostile work environment for nearly two years. Faced with the prospect of termination, I felt compelled to defend my religious freedom, leading me to file a lawsuit.
The Supreme Court's ruling affirms that employers are constitutionally obligated to accommodate the religious practices of their employees. This decision reinforces our nation's commitment to religious diversity and equality in the workplace.
I'm incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from my family, community, former colleagues, and neighbors. This victory is not just personal; it's a victory for religious freedom in America. It underscores the vital role faith plays in our lives and the importance of protecting this fundamental right.
