News Release
For Immediate Release: 5.13.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Attorneys Urge District Court to Stop Connecticut School District’s Unconstitutional Censorship of Veteran Teacher
Teacher demoted to non-teaching position after refusing to remove crucifix from personal items next to her desk.
New Britain, CT—Today, attorneys from First Liberty Institute and WilmerHale asked the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to stop a public school’s retaliation against veteran teacher Marisol Arroyo-Castro for refusing to remove a small crucifix from her personal items in the classroom. The Consolidated School District of New Britain has refused to allow Marisol to return to the classroom since December 2024.
“No teacher should be punished for hanging a small cross next to her desk in the classroom,” said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute. “The school district’s actions violate recent Supreme Court precedents that uphold teachers’ rights to engage in personal religious observances and expressions. We have no choice but to ask the federal court as well as the EEOC to stop the district’s unconstitutional behavior.”
Marisol Arroyo-Castro has taught in the Connecticut public schools for 32 years. For the last 10 years, she has placed a crucifix by her desk along with other personal items such as a Yankees pennant and family photos. As a devout Catholic, the crucifix reminds her to pray and helps her remain calm throughout the day as she faithfully teaches her students. Since December 2024, the school district refused to allow Marisol to return to the classroom unless she removed the small crucifix from her workspace. She was first put on a 2-day, unpaid suspension, later placed on administrative leave, and eventually demoted to a non-teaching position, all while being threatening with termination.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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