Lisa Domski vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan

Case Background

On August 11, 2023, Plaintiff Lisa Domski filed a Religious discrimination case in the United States District Court, Michigan Eastern (Case number: 2:23cv12023). This case was assigned to Assigned to District Judge David M. Lawson and referred to Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Stafford

Cause

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy on November 1, 2021, requiring all employees and contractors to be vaccinated by December 8, 2021. Lisa Domski, an IT Process Specialist II with over 27 years of service, submitted a religious accommodation request seeking an exemption from the mandate. BCBSM conducted brief, pressured interviews with employees requesting religious accommodations, limiting them to 15 minutes and questioning their use of medications and vaccination history. Attorneys representing BCBSM led these interviews without allowing legal representation for the employees. The company demanded quick responses and threatened to deny accommodations if employees asked questions. Approximately 250 employees, including remote workers who sought religious accommodations, faced termination. BCBSM maintained this strict policy, even though it did not require visitors or vendors to be vaccinated.

Injuries

BCBSM's actions caused immediate and lasting harm to Domski’s career and wellbeing. The company dismissed her sincerely held religious beliefs and neglected to engage in the federally mandated interactive accommodation process. Rat