San Francisco, CA – In a landmark decision, a federal jury awarded over $7 million to six former employees of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) who were terminated after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds. The verdict was reached after a thorough two-day deliberation period, culminating in a unanimous decision favoring the plaintiffs, who claimed their religious beliefs were unjustly overlooked.
The case, which has been closely monitored since its inception in late 2021, began when BART implemented a vaccine mandate without providing religious accommodations, prompting both local and national attention. Represented by the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), the plaintiffs argued that their spiritual convictions prevented them from complying with the vaccination requirement.
On the initial day of deliberations, the jury established that BART did not sufficiently justify its refusal to accommodate the religious beliefs of the employees, which effectively set the stage for the subsequent findings. When reached for comment, Brad Dacus, president of PJI, described the verdicts as a “seismic legal earthquake,” signaling a significant triumph for religious freedom and the diligence of the plaintiffs’ legal representation.
Kevin Snider, Chief Counsel at PJI and the lead trial advocate, highlighted the personal sacrifices made by the rail employees, noting their choice to prioritize faith over employment. As proof of their genuine religious beliefs, one plaintiff was cited as having maintained a perfect attendance record over a decade before their dismissal, underscoring the seriousness with which they approached their professional commitments.
Testimonies during the trial painted a vivid picture of the emotional and professional toll these dismissals took on the individuals involved. Despite being employed for several years, to over three decades in one case, and another being on workers compensation at the time, the employees found themselves jobless after BART contested the religious nature of their vaccine objections.
The legal team for the plaintiffs included Kevin T. Snider, Matthew B. McReynolds, and Milton E. Matchak, along with co-counsel Jessica R. Barsotti. This collective effort led to a calculated compensation strategy, awarding each plaintiff roughly $1 million for lost wages, with the jury acknowledging the economic hardship imposed by the terminations.
This case could potentially influence numerous similar cases across the nation, as PJI continues to represent hundreds of workers facing comparable challenges. The decision rendered in San Francisco is expected to set a precedent, potentially impacting the outcomes of these pending lawsuits.
Further adding to the conversation, Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council, emphasized the significance of this decision in reinforcing the necessity of honoring religious freedoms in the workplace. According to Burt, this verdict reaffirms the fundamental nature of religious liberty, urging employers to consider accommodations that respect personal beliefs.
The verdict not only addresses the grievances of the six former BART employees but also speaks to broader societal concerns regarding the balance between public health initiatives and constitutionally protected religious freedoms. By upholding these individuals’ claims, the jury has reinforced the message that religious convictions warrant thoughtful consideration and respect within the framework of employer-imposed health mandates.
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