COVID19

California Jury Decides on BART Worker Discrimination Case Over COVID-19 Religious Exemptions

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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A federal jury in California has reached a decision on a contentious case involving the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The trial revolved around allegations that the transit authority discriminated against employees who requested religious exemptions from its COVID-19 vaccination requirement. The jury concluded that BART did indeed engage in discriminatory practices by not adequately accommodating the religious beliefs of certain employees opposed to vaccination. This verdict marks a significant moment for workplace religious freedom cases amidst the pandemic. At the crux of the case were the policies … Read more

Tennessee Woman Wins $687,000 Settlement After Being Fired for Declining COVID-19 Vaccine on Religious Grounds

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Tennessee woman was awarded nearly $700,000 in a settlement after a federal jury agreed that her termination from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) was unjust. The company had fired her for not adhering to its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which she opposed due to her religious beliefs. Tanja Benton, a former biostatistical research scientist at BCBST, challenged her 2022 dismissal in federal court, asserting that her refusal to receive the vaccine was rooted in a sincere religious conviction. The jury awarded Benton more than $177,000 in lost wages, $10,000 for emotional distress, … Read more

Jury Awards Ex-BlueCross Scientist Over $687K for COVID-19 Vaccine Dismissal on Religious Grounds

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Chattanooga, TN – A Tennessee federal court has awarded more than $687,000 to a former BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee scientist after she was dismissed for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, citing religious beliefs. The decision, which could influence the way companies handle similar cases, underscores the conflicts between employer policies and individual rights under religious freedom protections. Tanja Benton, a longtime employee with over 17 years at BlueCross BlueShield, held a position as a bio statistical scientist before her separation from the company. The legal proceedings established that her refusal of the vaccine stemmed from … Read more

Tennessee Jury Awards $687K to Woman Terminated for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine

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Nashville, Tennessee — A Tennessee jury has awarded a woman nearly $700,000 after she was fired from her job due to her refusal to comply with her employer’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The verdict comes amid ongoing debates over workplace mandates and personal freedoms. Jean Marie Wilson, formerly an events manager at Ramsey Solutions, claimed she was wrongfully terminated after expressing religious objections to receiving the vaccine. The company, led by personal finance advisor Dave Ramsey, had implemented a vaccination requirement for its employees, citing health and operational reasons. The jury sided with Wilson, ruling that … Read more