Exemptions

There are two types of exemptions under Title VII. The first exemption is for religious institutions. Churches, schools, colleges, universities or other educational institutes that are operated, owned supported and controlled by a religious corporation, or if their curriculum is intended for distribution of a particular religion, may hire and employee individuals of that particular religion. However, this exemption does not apply to for-profit corporations, even if the business is religiously-oriented or operates the business according to religious guidelines, such as Bible bookstores or Hindu daycare centers. The second exemption allows employers to discriminate where sex, race, or religion is a "bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that particular business or enterprise (BFOQ)." Courts have narrowly interpreted this statute.