Lewis-Williams et al vs. San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Case Background

On October 17, 2022, Plaintiff Raymond Locket and others filed a Job Discrimination lawsuit in the United States District Court, California Northern(Case number: 3:22cv6119). Judge William Alsup presided over the case.

Cause

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) instituted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy on October 14, 2021, requiring all employees to become fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. BART established an exemption process allowing employees to request medical or religious accommodations. Of 204 total requests, 25 employees sought medical exemptions, with approximately one-third receiving accommodations. However, none of the 179 employees who requested religious exemptions received accommodations. BART used a standardized form titled "Employee Request for Religious Exemption (COVID-19 Vaccination)" to process these requests. Despite granting medical exemptions, BART systematically denied all religious accommodation requests between December 2021 and January 2022.

Injuries

The plaintiffs suffered job losses through termination, forced resignation, or early retirement due to BART’s blanket denial of religious accommodations. They lost immediate access to employment benefits, including health insurance and retirement contributions, and faced emotional distress from having to choose between their sincerely held religious beliefs and careers. Their professional advancement opportunities were permanently damaged. BART’s inconsistent handling of religious and medical accommodations created a discriminatory work environment, leading to psychological harm and financial instability.