Venetian Hotel and Casino Agrees to Pay $850,000 for Disregarding Employees' Religious Accommodation Requirements
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has agreed to a settlement of $850,000 with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations of religious discrimination and retaliation against employees. The settlement comes after the Venetian was found to have violated civil rights law for refusing to accommodate employees' religious beliefs [1][2][4].
The EEOC filed a lawsuit against the resort, alleging that The Venetian had denied accommodation for employees' sincerely held religious beliefs, leading to disciplinary actions, denial of promotion opportunities, and even terminations or constructive discharge in some cases [1][4]. The commission also accused the resort of retaliating against employees who opposed the discrimination [4].
As part of the settlement, The Venetian has committed to making significant policy changes aimed at improving employee treatment regarding religious beliefs. While specific policy details were not fully disclosed, these changes are intended to address accommodation processes and protect employees from retaliation, ensuring compliance with civil rights laws [2][4].
The EEOC emphasised the importance of not punishing individuals who advocate for upholding civil rights. The commission also outlined what a reasonable acknowledgement of religious beliefs would look like, suggesting companies allow days off for religious holidays and accommodate certain attire [3].
The Venetian will increase training for its employees, managers, and supervisors to ensure awareness of religious beliefs and rights. An independent third-party auditor will be brought in to monitor The Venetian's operations regarding the treatment of employees and civil rights for the next three years [4].
The case dates back to a period shortly before the sale of The Venetian in 2022. The EEOC made an official statement regarding the Venetian's retaliation against employees who opposed acts of religious discrimination [2].
In a statement, The Venetian has pledged to improve its treatment of employees' religious beliefs and rights. The resort has previously challenged these issues but has now agreed to make changes [5]. The settlement involves a substantial financial payment and a commitment by The Venetian to reform its practices to respect and accommodate employees’ religious beliefs and prevent retaliatory actions.
Sources: [1] https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/1-26-23.cfm [2] https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/12-13-22.cfm [3] https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/religion.cfm [4] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nevada/articles/2023-01-26/venetian-resort-las-vegas-to-pay-850k-to-settle-religious-discrimination-lawsuit [5] https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gambling/venetian-resort-las-vegas-to-pay-850k-to-settle-religious-discrimination-lawsuit-2726218/
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has acknowledged the importance of respecting employees' religious beliefs in the workplace, as part of the settlement agreement with the EEOC. To enforce this, the resort has pledged to increase training for its employees, managers, and supervisors on the subject, and will also bring in an independent third-party auditor to monitor its operations for the next three years.
