FFLC Secures Settlement in COVID-19 Religious Discrimination Case

Yesterday, the Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) secured a settlement on behalf of our client, Mr. Robert Jacoby, with his former employer. Mr. Jacoby is one of thousands of employees across Virginia who lost their jobs due to their religious conviction to not take the COVID-19 vaccine. While the specific terms of the settlement are confidential, FFLC and Robert Jacoby view this as an important victory in vindicating his religious freedom.  FFLC is also representing employees terminated from UVA Health Systems and Inova Health.

Read our initial story about Robert Jacoby’s case here: FFLC Files Federal Lawsuit over Title VII Religious Discrimination

“While we can’t undo what happened to Robert Jacoby, we’re pleased with the settlement we’ve been able to reach that allows him to recuperate some of what was lost, while also providing some accountability for his former employer's actions” said Michael Sylvester, Litigation Counsel for FFLC and one of Mr. Jacoby’s attorneys.

Jacoby, a conscientious husband and father, was terminated by his employer for not taking the COVID shot even after he communicated that it violated his religious beliefs. Mr. Jacoby had worked 100% remotely and had a long and stellar employment history with his former employer prior to his termination.

The strength of Mr. Jacoby’s case was recently bolstered by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Groff v. DeJoy earlier this summer, which significantly reinforced employees’ federal rights against religious discrimination under “Title VII,” the law at issue in our case.

If you or someone you know in Virginia is experiencing religious discrimination of any kind, please feel free to reach out to our attorneys, or visit our website to access and share our free legal resources.