Apple settles religious discrimination lawsuit for $150,000

Apple has agreed to a $150,000 settlement to resolve a federal lawsuit alleging religious discrimination and retaliation against a Jewish employee, Tyler Steele. The case was brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Steele, an employee at an Apple store in Reston, Virginia, requested accommodations to observe the Shabbat by not working on Fridays and Saturdays. While the request was initially granted, a new manager, Anthony Dosch, reportedly rescinded the arrangement and used derogatory language toward Steele. The EEOC alleged that following Steele's complaints regarding antisemitic behavior and the denial of religious accommodations, the company issued a misconduct warning regarding body odor and eventually terminated his employment in January 2024.

Under the terms of the settlement, Apple will pay $80,000 in back pay and $70,000 in damages to Steele. Although Apple denied any wrongdoing, the company is required to review its religious accommodation policies and conduct employee training in Virginia within 90 days of judicial approval.