Reference no: EM132902546

Plaintiff had worked for a public university for several years, in several different positions, when defendant reassigned him to the police department to work as a parking services officer. Plaintiff is a Jehovah's Witness and due to his religious beliefs he does not celebrate Christmas, birthdays, and does not carry weapons. The police department's General Orders required parking service officers to be trained in and carry defensive weapons. This was not enforced initially when Plaintiff transferred to this position, but a new interim police chief later required it. Plaintiff maintained she did so because of her hostility to his religious beliefs, because he declined to oversee the holiday party. Plaintiff also maintains the interim chief made him tell his co-workers that he was using his requested time off to attend a bible conference and get their written consent. When a permanent police chief took over for the interim chief, he required plaintiff to receive weapons training. When plaintiff refused, he was told he would be subject to discipline, including termination. The HR Director promised to help him locate another position but didn't follow through. Plaintiff was fired.

What claims might plaintiff bring? What does he need to show? What defenses would his employer have? Who wins each claim and why?