Former Employee Wins Major Religious Discrimination Case Following COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Lisa Domski worked for many years as an IT specialist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan before facing a difficult decision during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, after the company implemented a COVID-19 vaccination requirement, Domski requested a religious exemption. As a practicing Catholic, she explained that her beliefs prevented her from receiving certain vaccines because of concerns related to the use of fetal cell lines in their development or testing. She also stated that her job could be performed remotely, allowing her to continue working without direct contact with others.

Her exemption request was denied, and she was placed on unpaid leave before her employment ended in January 2022.

Believing that her religious beliefs had not been reasonably accommodated, Domski filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging religious discrimination.

The case was heard in Detroit, and in November 2024, a federal jury found in her favor. The jury awarded her nearly $12.7 million, including $10 million in punitive damages, along with compensation for lost wages, future earnings, and emotional distress.

In April 2025, the parties reached a resolution, and the lawsuit was officially dismissed.

The case later received additional public attention after Eric Trump expressed support for Domski and appeared with her following the outcome.

Her lawsuit became one of the largest jury awards involving a religious discrimination claim connected to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the United States. The case drew national attention to the ongoing legal discussions surrounding workplace vaccination policies and the protection of sincerely held religious beliefs during the pandemic.