Las Vegas Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit for $850,000

News Summary

The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has agreed to an $850,000 settlement after allegations of religious discrimination against employees. This settlement includes policy changes and employee training programs to better support religious rights. Following instances of retaliation against employees who opposed discriminatory practices, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) emphasized the importance of protecting employee rights under federal law. The Venetian will also undergo independent monitoring to ensure compliance with the settlement terms, marking a step towards enhanced inclusivity in the workplace.

Las Vegas Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit for $850,000

The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has agreed to an $850,000 settlement stemming from a lawsuit that accused the establishment of violating federal laws regarding religious discrimination. The settlement follows allegations made by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which claimed that The Venetian failed to accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs of its employees.

Settlement Includes Policy Changes

As part of the settlement, The Venetian announced it will implement significant policy changes aimed at better supporting employees’ religious rights. The resort must also undergo training regarding employee rights and employers’ obligations to accommodate religious practices. In addition to the financial settlement, a three-year consent decree has been established, mandating comprehensive training for employees at all levels on religious accommodation rights.

Allegations of Retaliation

The lawsuit detailed instances where workers faced punitive actions for opposing the discriminatory practices. Allegations included disciplinary measures against employees, as well as blocked promotions and terminations or constructive discharges. The EEOC’s claims centered on violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on religion.

Independent Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure the adherence to the settlement terms, The Venetian will hire an independent monitor. This monitor will review the resort’s policies and complaint procedures related to religious accommodation. Additionally, the oversight will evaluate the effectiveness of the measures put in place throughout the duration of the three-year decree.

Background of the Lawsuit

The allegations leading to the lawsuit occurred prior to The Venetian’s real estate sale to Vici Properties and the operational sale to Apollo Global Management in 2022. The EEOC emphasized the significance of protecting employees’ rights to practice their faith without fear of discrimination, reinforcing the legal standards laid out in Title VII.

Rapid Resolution of the Case

Following a failed mediation process between the EEOC and The Venetian, the parties reached an agreement that addresses the concerns raised by the commission. The EEOC expressed gratitude for The Venetian’s cooperation in resolving the allegations promptly, underlining the importance of safeguarding the rights of all workers.

Conclusion

This settlement serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for organizations to cultivate an inclusive environment where all employees can practice their religion freely, without facing retaliation or discriminatory practices. The Venetian’s initiative to implement changes and provide training reflects a step towards improved workplace standards in compliance with federal laws.

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Author: HERE Las Vegas

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