QUESTION: Traditionally, our board meetings are on Saturdays. A new member of the board observes Sabbath on Saturdays. Are the remaining directors required to adjust the meeting day to accommodate the new director?
ANSWER: There is no law that directly applies to this situation because serving on the board is a volunteer position. Even though Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not apply, it requires employers to reasonably accommodate employees' sincerely held religious unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.
Accommodating a well-recognized religious practice, such as observing Saturday Sabbath, qualifies. Using this principle, boards should reasonably accommodate a director's request if possible. Where this can be problematic is if other directors observe Sunday or the best day for most homeowners to attend board meetings is on Saturdays. Boards need to balance competing interests when setting their meeting dates and times.
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