A winter sports park and event venue in Franklin, Wisconsin, is facing a federal lawsuit for firing an employee over his religious beliefs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the suit against Crystal Ridge Ski Area, LLC, which operates as The Rock Snowpark.
The case centers on a lift operations manager who was reportedly let go because he shared Bible verses and faith-based messages on his personal social media account. According to the EEOC, these posts did not mention his workplace or coworkers. Despite initially being told by his supervisor that he could continue sharing such content, the employee was fired three days later after posting another Bible verse.
The EEOC claims this action violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a law that protects individuals from discrimination based on religion. Before filing the lawsuit, the agency attempted to settle the matter privately but was unsuccessful. The case is now proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Division.
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges employees face when expressing personal religious views outside of work, and it underscores the protections available under federal law against religious discrimination. The outcome could have ripple effects on how employers handle employees’ personal expressions on social media.
The Rock Snowpark did not comment publicly on the lawsuit. The EEOC continues to advocate for workers’ rights to religious freedom without fear of losing their jobs.