EAST ST. LOUIS – Good Samaritan Hospital of Mount Vernon violated rights of security officer Joseph Goodrich when it fired him for refusing virus vaccination and testing, according to a suit in U.S. district court.
His counsel Julie Quinn of Mount Vernon filed the suit on Dec. 16, seeking $300,000 in damages for religious discrimination.
Good Samaritan hired Goodrich in January 2017 and he received favorable employment evaluations during the time of his employment, according to the complaint.
In July 2021 he informed Good Samaritan that he would opt out of vaccination because of sincere religious beliefs.
Good Samaritan granted his request but informed him two months later that he would need weekly testing.
Goodrich claims to have mailed a conscientious refusal to chief executive Laura Keiser of hospital owner SSM Health and Good Samaritan president Jeremy Bradford, citing the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act.
The Act defines conscience as a sincerely held set of moral convictions arising from belief in and relation to God.
Goodrich requested replies but allegedly received none.
Security manager Chad Black sent him a letter indicating that human resources director Kischa Jackson instructed him not to allow Goodrich to work, the suit claims. He was placed in paid time off status and was walked out.
Goodrich received a termination letter from Jackson three days later.
Good Samaritan didn’t offer any sort of accommodation for his belief and practice, the suit claims.
“In the past, employer allowed employees with religious objections to the influenza vaccination to wear masks instead of receiving the vaccination,” the suit claims
Goodrich claims he suffered and continues to suffer damages in the form of lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Good Samaritan’s conduct was malicious and reckless and should subject it to punitive damages, the suit claims.
Goodrich seeks return to employment as a security officer.
The court clerk assigned District Judge Stephen McGlynn.