School employees lose religious discrimination case over COVID-19 testing

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has affirmed the dismissal of religious discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act brought by three school employees who refused both COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing. The court found that the employees failed to cite a religious belief that the testing requirement violated, and that accommodating their request would require their school employers to violate an Illinois governor's executive order, which would impose an undue hardship.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over COVID-19 workplace policies, particularly around religious exemptions and accommodations. It demonstrates the challenges employers face in balancing public health directives with employee rights under Title VII.

The details

The three school employees, who worked at Judah Christian School, North Mac CUSD No. 34, and Staunton CUSD No. 6, refused both COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing required by their employers. They filed religious discrimination claims under Title VII, arguing the testing requirement violated their religious beliefs. However, the court found the employees failed to identify a specific religious belief that was violated by the testing, and that accommodating their request would require the schools to violate an Illinois governor's executive order, which would impose an undue hardship.

• The Seventh Circuit issued its ruling on February 18, 2026.