Appeals Court Overrules Religious Liberty Training for Southwest Airlines Lawyers

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 11, 2024 19:30 PMNews
Share:
Southwest Airlines wing in flight against a blue sky
Southwest Airlines' legal battle impacts company policies. Source: unsplash

In a recent ruling, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals spared Southwest Airlines' lawyers from attending religious liberty training. This decision follows a controversy stemming from the 2017 firing of a flight attendant, Charlene Carter, who sent graphic anti-abortion messages to her union president. The incident occurred after the union utilized employee funds to attend the pro-choice Women’s March.

Initially, a jury found that both Southwest Airlines and the union violated Carter's rights, reducing her compensation from $5.1 million to $910,000. The court mandated Southwest to inform its flight attendants that federal law prohibits discrimination based on religious beliefs.

However, instead of following the exact wording of the judge's order, Southwest asserted that it "does not discriminate." This deviation led to the airline being held in contempt, resulting in a judge ordering three of the company's lawyers to complete eight hours of religious liberty training provided by the conservative group, Alliance Defending Freedom.

To comply with the judgment, Southwest reinstated Carter, posted the verdict in break rooms, and emailed all flight attendants about the court's decision. The communication stated that a federal court had ruled against Southwest and required them to affirm that they do not discriminate based on religious practices. An internal memo was also issued, expressing the company's disappointment with the ruling and intention to appeal.

Carter argued that Southwest's communications violated the judgment by not adhering strictly to the court's language, which led to the contempt ruling. The district court agreed and directed the airline to issue a precise statement to its flight attendants and ordered religious-liberty training for its lawyers.

However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the training exceeded the lower court's civil contempt authority. The appellate court noted that the mandated training covered topics beyond the Title VII issues pertinent to the case, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment, which were unrelated to ensuring compliance with the judgment.

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles and complexities surrounding workplace discrimination and religious liberties, with significant implications for corporate policies and employee rights.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM