I agree with the verdict with respect to her employment records, however, it is beyond reason that she should be rewarded money beyond a couple weeks of compensation. I hope the reward is decreased or removed if Belk appeals the case.

Some folks making comments here express that maybe she took the job with the intention of trying to sue later. The article says she was working as a gift wrapper in November when she was fired. It doesn't say how long she had been an employee before this or if she was only temp. My question is how could she have possibly known ahead that Belk managers would fire her instead of doing the reasonable thing like giving her other job duties until the Christmas season was over. Surely Belk needed many extra seasonal employees during such a busy time. I believe info must have been excluded in this article for the lawsuit to be worthy of $55k. It was unfortunate that the managers couldn't have worked something out & avoided such a costly lawsuit. Yes, $55,000 seems extensive (that's lawyers for ya), but for any of you who profess a religion of any kind & like your job, this lawsuit was also a protection for you should your religious beliefs be questioned as a reason for your termination.

@bubbasu1 "The employee knew what her beliefs are and should have not accepted the position in the first place." Are you kidding me? She had no idea that refusing to wear a santa hat would get her fired.

What a scam!! I have nothing againat anyone's religion. This employee knew what her beliefs are and should have not accepted the position in the first place. When one chooses to have certain beliefs they should not expect to be catered to. It is like taking a job in a nut processing facility then telling the employer you are allergic to nuts! We are not suppose to wish folks a Merry Christmas cause it offends some other religion these are the type of things that give religions a bad name. Yes the employee is entiteld to work , yes Belks has the right to require said employee to dress for the part at Christmas, after all Belks is there to provide a service/products/make money. When my kids were in school there were a couple of Jehovah Witness students, when a birthday or holiday was celebrated those student either sat in the hall or went to different room until the party was over. If one wishes to be employed then it is up to them to find employment that fits their life s

Since when was December a month exclusively for Christmas gifts? Don't people exchange gifts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays? I am shocked and saddened by the actions of Belk. I am surrounded by Jehovah's Witnesses in my workplace and I LOVE it. Their religion isn't a cult. They are Christians. To Belk and any other business not interested in hiring Jehovah's Witnesses, send them my way! To all of you who have left hateful and ignorant comments, I'm giving you a pop up. If you don't know what that means, good luck getting a great spa service in Raleigh. To all you Witnesses who might read this please know that the nasty comments are made by an ignorant few. Most people don't share their views. - A Lutheran in Raleigh