by Jorge Gomez • 4 minutes
First Liberty client Marisol Arroyo-Castro is a devoted teacher who’s been teaching in the Connecticut public school system for more than 32 years. Not only is she passionate and dedicated, but also highly experienced and qualified in her craft. She earned a master’s degree in education with a minor in child psychology.
For Marisol, being a teacher is more than a job. It’s a calling. She loves her job, and she’s great at it, too. But right now, her life is being turned upside down and her teaching career is on the verge of ruin.
Marisol is being threatened with termination for having a small crucifix near her desk.
After three decades of dedicated service, officials at the New Britain School District gave her an impossible choice: hide her crucifix from view or face discipline. When Marisol couldn’t bring herself to hide this expression of her faith, they suspended her without pay for two days and then placed her on administrative leave, putting her in danger of getting fired.
If threatening to fire her wasn’t bad enough, school officials doubled down and reassigned Marisol to a nonteaching role within the district just this week—a vindictive action aimed at keeping this dedicated teacher from doing the job that she loves.
Watch this interview with attorney Becky Dummermuth, as she explains what First Liberty is doing to make sure Marisol can get back to the classroom:
Whenever religious discrimination like this happens, everyday Americans are on the losing end, as they are stripped of their God-given, constitutional rights.
Religious discrimination does not belong in the workplace. Bottom line, it’s illegal. The law is clear that an employer can’t fire or take adverse action against an employee on the basis of religion. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in our Coach Kennedy case (Kennedy v. Bremerton School District) made it clear that teachers are free to engage in personal expressions of their faith without threat of being fired.
The school district’s mistreatment of Marisol is also wrong and incredibly harmful. For people of faith like her, this is much more than just a legal dispute or possibly being dragged into a long court battle, something that almost nobody wants to do.
Attacks on religious freedom often take serious toll on people’s lives. In cases like that of Marisol, an attack threatens their livelihood and financial wellbeing. It endangers a career and job reputation that they’ve spent years—even decades—building. Beyond that, a religious freedom violation robs people of faith of the joy and fulfillment that they get from living out their divinely inspired calling.
Targeting teachers over their religious beliefs also does a disservice to our education system, students and our nation. The Economic Policy Institute wrote at length about the ongoing problem of teacher retention and recruitment. Forbes noted that America’s teacher shortage has reached a “breaking point.” USA Today referred to it as a “crisis.”
So, does it make any sense to punish a qualified teacher simply because of her faith? Certainly not. Especially when the highest court in the country has said its perfectly legal and constitutional for teachers to express their religious beliefs.
One would think that school districts would be more keen on keeping—rather than ousting—teachers who are experienced, caring and genuinely love what they do.
Instead, this school district has opted for a punitive approach. In fact, it tried to force Marisol to hide her crucifix even though other teachers can have personal items at their desks.
Other teachers display photos of family and friends, images of Wonder Woman and Baby Yoda, a miniature of the Mona Lisa, New England Patriots football team pennant, inspirational quotes, a photograph of a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a mug referencing a Bible verse.
But, for some reason, Marisol’s small crucifix was deemed unacceptable.
“Requiring a teacher to purge their workspace of anything religious is blatant discrimination that violates the First Amendment,” said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “Teachers have the right to engage in personal religious expression under the Free Exercise Clause, including when students are present.”
Marisol should not be forced to choose between her faith and her livelihood. Our laws ensure that no American should ever have to make that difficult choice. Government and public schools must respect the rich history and tradition of religion in America as affirmed by the Supreme Court rather than punish those who cherish it.
The New Britain School District should do what’s right, follow the law and reinstate Marisol to her teaching position.
A Teacher’s Cross to Bear
Marisol’s career and livelihood are on the line. She’s counting on us to deliver a victory. Your support today can help get her back to the classroom and protect her right to express her faith.
Marisol is taking a brave stand for her beliefs. She has every right to put her faith on display without fearing punishment. She’s not backing down—and neither is First Liberty.
Will you stand with Marisol?
To battle for Marisol, we need your support. Please give to First Liberty today.
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