MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against the Mayo Clinic, alleging the clinic violated federal law by denying a security guard’s request for religious accommodation to its COVID-19 vaccination policy.
The EEOC claims the employee, who opposed the vaccine due to religious beliefs, offered alternatives such as regular testing and mask-wearing. His request was denied, and he was allegedly forced to comply with the vaccination policy to avoid termination.
“Employees have a right to request reasonable religious accommodations without fear of punishment or termination, including for vaccination policies,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas. “Effectively forcing employees to submit to vaccinations against sincerely held religious beliefs can violate federal civil rights laws. The EEOC will hold employers accountable for such violations of Title VII.”…