Reed v. Great Lakes Cos.
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
330 F.3d 931 (7th Cir. 2003)
Melvin Reed (plaintiff), a hotel executive housekeeper for Great Lakes Cos. (defendant), was asked to attend a routine meeting where local Gideons delivered Bibles for hotel rooms, and when the Gideons unexpectedly read scripture aloud and prayed, Reed left the meeting early, embarrassing the hotel manager; when confronted, Reed insisted he wouldn't be compelled to attend religious events, leading to a heated exchange and his termination for insubordination. Reed sued for religious discrimination under Title VII, but at deposition refused to disclose what, if any, religious beliefs he actually held; the trial court granted Great Lakes summary judgment, and Reed appealed.
Whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids an employer from discriminating against an employee because of the employee's religion, unless the employer is itself a religious organization.