News Release
For Immediate Release: 9.25.26
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
EEOC Wins $200k for Remote Employee Fired for Refusing Covid-19 Vaccine in Favorable Settlement
EEOC pursued charge against Arrow Electronics for religious discrimination against former employee.
Washington, D.C.—First Liberty Institute announced a favorable settlement for former Arrow Electronics employee, Maria Govea, who was fired for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine due to her religious beliefs despite that she was a remote worker. After Ms. Govea filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the agency investigated her case and took up her charge against Arrow Electronics.
“As people of faith confront a hostile corporate culture, it’s perhaps more important than ever to understand what the law says about religious discrimination and accommodation,” said Cliff Martin, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “We are grateful that the EEOC held corporate America to our country’s historic commitment to religious freedom.”
“I am grateful to the EEOC for not only fighting for myself, but also others who were unjustly fired by Arrow Electronics for their faith,” stated Maria Govea.
Maria Govea is a devout Catholic who worked as a transportation specialist at Arrow Electronics for over nine years. In January 2022, after refusing the Covid-19 vaccination due to her sincere religious beliefs, she was terminated from her job. Ms. Govea worked remotely from her home in Tennessee and never traveled to any company location with a Covid-19 vaccination mandate. Her request for religious accommodation posed no undue hardship on her employer. Nevertheless, Arrow Electronics rejected Ms. Govea’s accommodation request based on lack of “religiosity.” In response, Ms. Govea filed a complaint with the EEOC, which pursued her claims against Arrow Electronics. Because of the EEOC’s work, Ms. Govea has now reached a favorable settlement with her former employer.
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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.
To arrange an interview, contact Natalie Konstans at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
