A federal appeals court ruled that a former employee’s religious discrimination lawsuit against Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey’s company can move forward. Caitlin O’Connor claims she was fired for becoming pregnant while unmarried. Her employer, the Lampo Group—doing business as Ramsey Solutions—argued the firing was based on its “righteous living” policy, not her religion.
Judge Questions Religious Motivations Behind Firing
U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson reversed an earlier ruling, allowing O’Connor’s case to proceed. He said the key issue is whether she was fired for violating a company rule or for failing to meet religious expectations. Richardson noted that if a company enforces policies rooted in religious belief inconsistently, it may constitute religious discrimination.
Allegations of Inconsistent Enforcement Surface
Court filings reveal the company scrutinizes employee sexual behavior but may apply rules unevenly. While O’Connor was fired for alleged premarital sex, other employees reportedly avoided termination despite similar or worse infractions. A former Ramsey Solutions personality, Chris Hogan, was allegedly protected despite known infidelity, according to his ex-wife.
Ramsey Solutions Faces Broader Legal Scrutiny
This lawsuit is one of several legal challenges facing Ramsey Solutions. Another former employee, Brad Amos, is suing after allegedly being fired for objecting to the company’s anti-COVID precautions based on his religious beliefs. That case was also reinstated on appeal. Ramsey’s lawyers are currently trying to prevent him from testifying at Amos’s trial.
Pattern of Discrimination Claims Emerges
In 2022, Ramsey Solutions settled a case brought by a former employee fired after coming out as gay. Additionally, a class-action lawsuit by former radio show listeners alleging financial fraud remains pending. Critics claim that Ramsey enforces values-based policies arbitrarily, favoring top talent. Supporters argue that the company has the right to uphold Christian standards.
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Dave Ramsey’s Company Faces Another Setback in Court Over Religious Discrimination
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