Federal Workers Can Now Talk About Faith at Work

The Trump administration has given federal employees the green light to discuss their religious beliefs at work. This includes trying to convince colleagues about their faith, as long as it's not harassing. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent a memo to federal agencies, stating that workers have the right to express their religion at work. This includes talking about religion, displaying religious items on desks, and even inviting coworkers to religious services. The memo also mentions that federal workers can pray over patients, join tour groups in prayer, and put up religious posters. However, agencies can still limit speech if it interferes with work or is harassing. The policy is not entirely new, as the Clinton administration had similar guidelines in 1997. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to allow federal workers to express their religious beliefs. Earlier this month, OPM said agencies should be flexible when workers request time off or schedule changes for religious reasons. In February, President Trump signed an executive order accusing the Biden administration of anti-Christian bias and set up a task force to investigate. Not everyone is on board with this new policy. The Freedom From Religion Foundation called it "outrageous and unconstitutional, " arguing that it encourages proselytizing in the workplace. They also expressed concern about supervisors evangelizing to their subordinates and federal workers proselytizing to the public they serve.