The Venetian Reaches $850K Settlement over Religious Discrimination Claims

July 2, 2025

News

Background of the Religious Discrimination Case

The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has agreed to a settlement involving allegations of religious discrimination that surfaced before the property’s acquisition by Apollo Global Management. The lawsuit, initiated by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), accused the resort of failing to accommodate the sincere religious practices of various employees from multiple faiths.

Claims of Discriminatory Practices and Retaliation

The complaint detailed that the resort not only neglected employees’ religious needs but also retaliated against those who opposed this discriminatory behavior. Some of the retaliation reportedly took the form of disciplinary measures, denial of promotions, and even terminations.

Settlement Details and Future Measures

Following an extended legal process, The Venetian agreed to a settlement amounting to $850,000. Along with the financial agreement, the resort committed to enhancing its training programs. These programs will educate all staff members, including supervisors and managers, on their legal obligations regarding religious accommodations in the workplace. Additionally, the resort will appoint an independent auditor tasked with reviewing and potentially updating company policies and complaint handling procedures. This auditor will oversee The Venetian’s compliance efforts for a period of three years.

EEOC’s Position and Broader Implications

The EEOC highlighted the importance of respecting employees’ religious rights, stressing that employers must provide reasonable accommodations. Examples include granting specific days off for religious observances or permitting certain grooming practices aligned with faith traditions. The organization’s acting chair, Andrea Lucas, also underscored that workers should not face punishment for advocating their religious rights.