COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nationwide Children’s Hospital is being sued by a former employee who said she was discriminated against because of her religious beliefs.
Tina Moore gave 10TV her picture and, on the phone, identified herself as a 27-year employee of the hospital and a devout Christian.
The lawsuit that was filed earlier this week says in August of 2021 the hospital implemented a requirement that employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine or request religious or medical exemption. Moore said that vaccination did not align with her religious beliefs.
The lawsuit says in February of 2022 Moore submitted an exemption request via email. It was denied by the hospital because Moore did not fill out the proper “Religious Exempt Request Form.”
After filling out the form needed, the suit says Moore was notified by HR that she had failed to provide sufficient information. She was placed on unpaid leave and told to be vaccinated by March 15 or that her position would be posted and filled.
The suit says Moore tried to seek clarification from HR to determine what specific information she needed to provide, but that HR would never respond.
On March 11, 2022, Moore was told in an email to leave the property. A week later, she received a letter saying her employment had been terminated as of April 15.
The lawsuit says other coworkers submitted for religious exemptions and were approved and because Moore’s request was denied, she was discriminated against.
10TV asked Nationwide Children's how many workers applied for and were granted exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine and did not receive an answer.
A spokesperson did, however, say the following:
“While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital deeply values a diverse, inclusive workforce and routinely grants exemptions based on sincerely held religious beliefs.”
The lawsuit says in late 2021, the hospital approved multiple religious exemptions that had previously been denied because “93% of our staff are now vaccinated, which dramatically reduces the chance of staff transmission in the workplace,” as noted in an exhibit listed in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Moore’s rights were violated, as stated in Ohio Revised Code that, among other things, prohibit employers from discharging an employee due to religion and prohibit employers from eliciting or attempting to elicit any information concerning the religion as a condition of employment.
Moore is seeking a jury trial as well as wanting to be compensated for lost wages, lost income, physical pain, emotional distress and humiliation.
Calls and emails to Moore’s attorney were not returned for comment.