Trump admin releases new guidelines to 'protect religious expression' in federal workforce

A July 28, 2025, OPM memo, issued by Director Scott Kupor, mandates federal agencies to protect religious expression, prioritizing Jewish practices like displaying mezuzahs or using tefillin, and Christian symbols such as crucifixes, Bibles, or rosary beads on desks. Employees may pray during breaks, form prayer groups, or discuss faith politely, provided it’s non-harassing and respects requests to stop. Agencies cannot single out religious symbols, like mezuzahs or crosses, for restriction while allowing nonreligious displays.

Agencies should allow personal religious expression by Federal employees to the greatest extent possible unless such expression would impose an undue hardship on business operations.