Hratch Yeremian vs. MGM Grand Casino

Case Background

On December 8, 2022, Plaintiff Hratch Yeremian filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court, Michigan Eastern (Case number: 2:22cv12978), alleging religious discrimination and wrongful termination related to the Defendant’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. This case was assigned to District Judge Gershwin A. Drain and referred to Magistrate Judge David R. Grand.

Cause

Bryant Brown and Hratch Yeremian, long-time employees of MGM Grand Casino, faced termination in 2021 due to a company-wide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for salaried employees. The policy threatened termination for non-compliance. Both plaintiffs submitted exemption requests, citing sincerely held religious beliefs and medical conditions. Mr. Yeremian, a practicing Catholic, explained that his faith opposed vaccines derived from aborted fetal cell lines. Mr. Brown cited medical concerns, including sleep apnea, and shared that vaccination contradicted his religious beliefs. However, the Defendant denied these requests, claiming undue hardship without exploring reasonable accommodations. Despite enforcing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on sala