The owners of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas have settled a lawsuit with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for $850,000 over allegations of failing to accommodate employees' diverse religious beliefs.
The EEOC alleged that the resort suspended, denied promotions, and discharged employees due to denied religious accommodations, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Employers have a broad obligation under Title VII to provide reasonable accommodations for employees' sincerely held religious beliefs, including time off for Sabbatarians or Buddhists and allowing beards for Orthodox Christians.
As part of the settlement, the resort must undergo compliance training, refrain from providing negative references to affected employees, and ensure they are not adversely impacted. EEOC will determine claimants eligible for damages under Title VII.