The Rock Snowpark fired a Christian lift operations manager because of his religious beliefs after he posted Bible verses on personal social media, federal regulators alleged in a lawsuit filed today.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claims Crystal Ridge Ski Area, which operates the Franklin, Wisconsin winter sports park, violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it terminated the employee over his faith-based posts.
The manager frequently shared Bible verses and religious messages on his personal social media account, according to the lawsuit. Although his posts never mentioned the workplace or coworkers, his supervisor allegedly told him to stop posting them.
Firing followed confirmation meeting
After the employee confirmed with his supervisor that he could continue sharing scripture, the company fired him three days later for posting another Bible verse, the EEOC alleges.
The federal agency filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin after conciliation efforts failed to resolve the dispute.
“All employees have the right to earn a living free from discrimination based on their religious beliefs,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas. “While employers must remain alert to potential harassment in the workplace, religious statements made outside of work that do not reference or impact anyone in the workplace do not constitute unlawful harassment.”
Social media policies under scrutiny
The case highlights growing questions about employer authority over workers’ personal social media activities. Courts have generally protected employee speech that occurs outside the workplace and doesn’t reference work or colleagues.
The lawsuit comes as employers increasingly monitor workers’ online activities and implement social media policies. Legal experts say companies must balance workplace harmony concerns with employees’ constitutional and civil rights protections.
The Rock Snowpark operates as both a winter sports facility and summer events venue in southeastern Wisconsin. The EEOC’s Chicago District Office, which filed the lawsuit, covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa.
Broader workplace implications
Religious discrimination cases involving social media have increased as employees maintain larger online presences. The EEOC has emphasized that off-duty religious expression generally receives protection unless it directly affects workplace operations.
Employment attorneys advise companies to carefully review social media policies to ensure they don’t inadvertently restrict protected religious activity. Clear guidelines help distinguish between problematic workplace-related posts and protected personal expression.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and policy changes to prevent future discrimination. The EEOC investigates and litigates employment discrimination cases against private sector employers nationwide.
