Colette McCadd worked for Kraft Heinz for almost 20 years, most recently positioned as Senior Manager, Culinary at Glenview, Illinois R&D. She was an excellent employee who received exemplary reviews over her many years.
According to the Complaint, in 2021, Kraft made a full COVID-19 vaccination a condition of her continued employment, while allowing for health or religious exemptions. According to her sincere beliefs, Colette sought a religious accommodation to refuse the vaccine. But in December 2021, Kraft rejected her religious accommodation request, even though they allowed other employees’ medical and religious accommodations.
On January 30, 2022, Kraft sent Colette a “Happy Kraft Heinz Anniversary” and “Thank you” email. But the next day, Kraft terminated Colette’s employment for noncompliance with the company’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.
On June 23, 2022, Colette filed a discrimination charge with the IDHR and EEOC alleging discrimination based upon religion. On September 23, 2022, Colette received her Right to Sue letter from the EEOC, and she subsequently filed a federal lawsuit in December 2022, bringing a Title VII claim of religious employment discrimination.
The district court rejected Colette’s evidence, holding that her beliefs are not religious. First Liberty stepped in on appeal to challenge the district court’s decision and fight for Colette’s religious rights. In 2025, the parties announced that they reached an amicable resolution to the matter.
“We are thrilled to have reached this resolution for Colette,” said Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute, Stephanie Taub. “The law protects the religious liberty rights of all Americans in the marketplace, and we are proud to represent courageous people of faith like Colette.”
“My faith is the most important thing to me,” said Colette McCadd. “I am very grateful to First Liberty for stepping in to help me fight the good fight of faith and believing me, my faith and in my case. I am thankful for the resources, time, counsel, and prayers throughout the entire process and would recommend this team for anyone who is fighting for their religious freedom.”
News Release
For Immediate Release: 11.13.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Kraft Heinz and Former Employee Reach Amicable Resolution Ending Federal Lawsuit
Lawsuit alleged a longtime employee was fired for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious beliefs.
Glenview, IL—First Liberty Institute and Hacker Stephens LLP reached an amicable resolution with Kraft Heinz on behalf of Colette McCadd, a former Kraft employee of 20 years. Her lawsuit alleged she was fired for her religious beliefs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We are thrilled to have reached this resolution for Colette,” said Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute, Stephanie Taub. “The law protects the religious liberty rights of all Americans in the marketplace, and we are proud to represent courageous people of faith like Colette.”
“My faith is the most important thing to me,” said Colette McCadd. “I am very grateful to First Liberty for stepping in to help me fight the good fight of faith and believing me, my faith and in my case. I am thankful for the resources, time, counsel, and prayers throughout the entire process and would recommend this team for anyone who is fighting for their religious freedom.”
According to the lawsuit, Colette McCadd worked at Kraft Heinz for nearly two decades, receiving exemplary reviews throughout her employment. In 2021, Kraft made COVID-19 vaccination a condition of Colette’s continued employment, while allowing some health and religious exemptions. According to her sincere beliefs, Colette sought a religious accommodation to refuse the vaccine. But in December 2021, Kraft rejected her religious accommodation request, and just a month later, she was terminated. In response, Colette filed a federal lawsuit in December 2022, bringing a Title VII claim of religious employment discrimination. First Liberty and Heather Hacker of Hacker Stephens LLP stepped in on appeal to ensure Colette’s religious rights were upheld. In November 2025, the parties amicably resolved the matter.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
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