Apple Inc. is currently facing a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging that the company engaged in religious discrimination and retaliation against an employee at its Reston, Virginia retail store. The lawsuit centers on claims that Apple failed to accommodate the religious practices of a long-standing employee and subsequently terminated his employment in violation of federal law.
Background of the Case
The employee in question, who had been with Apple for 16 years as an Apple Genius, converted to Judaism in 2023. Following his conversion, he requested not to work on Fridays and Saturdays to observe the Jewish Sabbath, which begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. His new store manager denied this request, citing Apple’s scheduling policy that purportedly prohibited employees from having both Friday and Saturday off. Fearing job loss, the employee complied with the schedule, working on the Sabbath against his religious beliefs.
Allegations of Discrimination and Retaliation
The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that after the employee’s request for religious accommodation, Apple began disciplining him for alleged grooming policy violations. Shortly after he reminded his supervisor of an upcoming day off for religious reasons, Apple terminated his employment in January 2024, citing another grooming policy violation. The EEOC contends that these actions constitute religious discrimination and retaliation, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from failing to accommodate religious practices and from retaliating against employees who complain about discrimination.
Legal Implications and EEOC’s Stance
Debra Lawrence, the EEOC’s Philadelphia Regional Attorney, emphasized the importance of religious rights in the workplace, stating, Employees should not have to violate their religious beliefs to keep their jobs or live in fear of retribution because they requested an accommodation. The EEOC is seeking back pay, damages, and punitive compensation for the alleged malicious and reckless conduct by Apple.
Apple’s Response and Broader Context
As of now, Apple has not publicly commented on the allegations. This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges faced by Apple concerning employment practices. In November 2023, the Department of Justice secured a $25 million agreement with Apple to resolve allegations of employment discrimination based on citizenship status. Additionally, in January 2025, Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit accusing its Siri voice assistant of violating user privacy by recording conversations.
Conclusion
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Apple’s employment practices and its obligations under federal anti-discrimination laws. It also underscores the importance of accommodating employees’ religious practices in the workplace and the legal consequences of failing to do so.
