The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of religious discrimination and retaliation after allegedly mistreating and firing a Jewish employee. The case involves Tyler Steele, a former employee at Apple’s retail store in Reston, Virginia, who claims he was subjected to antisemitic remarks and denied his right to observe his faith.
ALLEGATIONS OF ANTISEMITIC REMARKS AND RELIGIOUS VIOLATIONS
According to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, Steele’s manager made inappropriate comments about his appearance, allegedly telling him he “smelled like body odor.” The manager is also accused of forcing Steele to work during the Jewish Sabbath and instructing him not to discuss the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel with colleagues.
Steele, who converted to Judaism in 2023, had repeatedly requested time off on Fridays and Saturdays to honor the Sabbath, which begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday. His requests were denied, the EEOC said. Despite twice complaining to Apple about the treatment, no corrective action was taken. In January 2024, Steele was terminated shortly after refusing to work on a Friday, a move the agency claims violated federal law.
EEOC’S RESPONSE AND BROADER WORKPLACE IMPLICATIONS
The EEOC alleges Apple’s conduct breached Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on religion, race, gender, and other protected categories. The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensation for emotional distress, and punitive damages, citing Apple’s “malicious and reckless” behavior. The agency emphasized that employers are legally required to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs unless doing so creates significant difficulty or expense for the business.
Apple has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The company, known for promoting diversity and inclusion, now faces scrutiny over how it applies those principles in practice.
Under Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, the EEOC has sharpened its focus on religious discrimination cases. Lucas, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has spoken out about ensuring that faith-based protections are not overshadowed by broader workplace inclusion policies.
This case underscores ongoing challenges for corporations as they balance religious freedom with operational demands. If the allegations against Apple are proven, the company could face significant financial penalties and reputational harm.
The EEOC reiterated that every employee—regardless of faith—deserves respect, fair treatment, and protection from retaliation. The lawsuit will now proceed through the federal courts, where Apple will have an opportunity to defend itself against the claims.
