Victory: Walmart Works With ACLJ To Reaffirm Commitment to Religious Accommodations

We are pleased to report that Walmart, the largest employer in America, recently reaffirmed its commitment to accommodating employees who request religious accommodations to observe a weekly Sabbath. At the ACLJ, we previously worked with Walmart in the fall of 2024 on a similar matter and found them to be responsive and respectful of religious liberty. That same responsiveness was on full display again when we recently reached out on behalf of another client.

We were recently contacted by a Walmart employee in Louisiana who was experiencing adverse scheduling changes that impacted his ability to go to church on Sunday. For several years, he had maintained a schedule that accommodated his Sunday Sabbath observance. However, following recent scheduling adjustments, his inability to work on Sundays – due to his religious convictions – resulted in a significant reduction in hours. In one instance, his schedule dropped to just 19.5 hours per week, jeopardizing his full-time status and associated benefits.

This raises serious concerns under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The U.S. Supreme Court has made clear that under Title VII employers are required to accommodate the religious beliefs of employees if the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the overall context of the business. A religious belief to observe the Sabbath falls squarely within Title VII’s broad definition of religion. Religious accommodations are to be evaluated by the employer on a case-by-case basis.

As soon as we became aware of this issue, we contacted Walmart directly. We are pleased to report that Walmart promptly investigated the situation and worked with us to resolve this matter. As a result of the ACLJ’s representation and Walmart’s quick action, our client’s sincerely held religious beliefs are now being accommodated. Our client’s schedule now reflects a full-time schedule while also maintaining Sundays off to observe the Sabbath.

This case is a powerful example of how employers can successfully navigate religious accommodation requests under Title VII. In this case – as in so many others – honoring a Sabbath observance posed no such hardship. It simply required open communication and a willingness to find a workable solution. Walmart’s conduct should serve as a model for other employers across the country. Religious liberty is a fundamental American value, and when employers respect that liberty, everyone wins.

Sam Walton built Walmart on principles rooted in his Christian faith. The company’s swift resolution of this matter shows that Walmart continues to reflect those foundational principles to this day. We thank Walmart’s corporate leadership for working with us to bring this matter to a positive and purposeful resolution.

If you, or someone you know, is facing workplace challenges because of your faith, don’t stay silent. Contact us. We’re here to defend your rights – and ensure that no one has to choose between their faith and their job.