Apple settles religious discrimination lawsuit for $150,000

Apple has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit alleged that the company terminated a Virginia-based Apple Store employee, Tyler Steele, following his conversion to Judaism and his subsequent request for scheduling accommodations to observe the Sabbath.

The settlement includes $80,000 in back pay and $70,000 in compensatory damages and interest. As part of the agreement, Apple will provide training regarding religious discrimination and accommodation requirements to certain employees in the Northern Virginia retail market. Additionally, the company must report any denials of religious accommodation requests or complaints of religious discrimination to the EEOC for a period of two years.

While Apple has agreed to the settlement, court documents indicate the company denies any wrongdoing and the agreement does not constitute an admission of misconduct.