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A spa employee is suing her employer, claiming she was suspended for refusing to escort a transgender woman into the locker room.
Jeriah Sellers, a devout Christian and part-time worker at Hershey’s MeltSpa pennsylvaniafiled a lawsuit in federal court on Tuesday, claiming her employer violated her religious freedom.
On May 28, the salesperson’s supervisor told her that a transgender “well-known political figure” would come to the spa that day and escort the customer to the women’s locker room. CBS 21 News The report cited a lawsuit.
“Jeria informed her supervisor that she was not comfortable doing this, that it violated her trust,” said Andrea Shaw, the seller’s attorney. penlive“And his supervisor immediately said, ‘It’s no problem. Someone else will escort this guest to the locker room.’
According to Shaw, a few days later, Sellers was told by Hershey’s human resources that she had violated the corporate transgender policy, and she was suspended for a day and given a disciplinary write-up.
“And he was specifically told that Hershey wanted him to leave his religious beliefs at the door when he came to work,” Shaw said.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts claims that vendors did not request a religious accommodation.
According to CBS 21 News, the company’s transgender policy states that guests are allowed to use the locker room that corresponds with their gender identity.
Shaw said, “This is not helping a transgender person who has had her faith violated,” adding, “This was taking a biological male into a women’s locker room.”
“This goes against his religious beliefs, including his concern for other female guests who may be uncomfortable with the presence of a biological male in the designated women’s locker room facility.”
The company’s transgender policy includes guidance on what to say to staff if a guest complains about another guest’s use of the locker room, which CBS 21 News referenced: “Bathrooms and shower stalls are also located within the locker rooms for privacy. If you prefer more privacy, you are welcome to use the private restrooms at the spa. If you prefer, you can also change in the treatment room prior to your service.” Are.”
According to Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, vendors still work at the spa.
“We’re just asking for recognition that he violated the law,” Shaw said. “We first want confirmation that future accommodations are consistent with what she has already asked for and received and it is clear that they have retaliated against her because of her religious beliefs.”
The sellers are seeking lost wages, punitive damages and attorney fee coverage in the lawsuit.
“No religious accommodation was requested before or during the spa service, and the team member did not indicate that she could not assist the guest for religious reasons,” Hershey Entertainment & Resorts said in a statement shared by multiple outlets.
“Later, we asked the team member – who is employed – to fill out a religious accommodation form so that we can better understand his concern. Unfortunately, the form has not yet been submitted despite multiple requests from our side.”
“We proudly serve and employ people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve,” the company said.
Independent Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has been contacted for comment.