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3h ago

EEOC Sues Apple Over Alleged Religious Discrimination at Virginia Retail Store

The case challenges Apple's handling of a Sabbath accommodation request under Title VII in Virginia federal court.

People walk past the Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York City, U.S., May 23, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray
EEOC Sues Apple for Firing Jewish Employee Over Sabbath Observance
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Overview

  • The EEOC filed the case on Sept. 30, 2025, in the Eastern District of Virginia as EEOC v. Apple, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-1637, after conciliation efforts failed.
  • The complaint says 16-year Reston store employee Tyler Steele converted to Judaism in 2023 and sought to avoid Friday and Saturday shifts to observe the Sabbath.
  • A new manager allegedly denied the request by citing scheduling rules, then cited grooming-policy violations before terminating Steele in January 2024.
  • The filing details antisemitic conduct, including remarks about body odor and a directive not to discuss the October 2023 Hamas attack with coworkers.
  • The EEOC seeks back pay and punitive damages for alleged discrimination and retaliation, and Apple has not responded to requests for comment.