by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
Great news! We secured a victory in federal appeals court for Valerie Kloosterman.
The University of Michigan Health System terminated Valerie, a physician assistant, because of her religious beliefs.
She explained that she couldn’t refer patients for gender-transition drugs or procedures because it conflicted with her Christian faith and medical judgment. When she requested a religious accommodation from affirming statements about gender, hospital officials attacked her.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court reversed a lower district court ruling that had removed Valerie’s case out of court into arbitration. Today’s decision ensures Valerie can continue to fight her case in court and seek justice for her termination.
“Today’s decision is a reckoning for institutions that discriminate and punish caring people of faith like Valerie Kloosterman,” said Kayla Toney, Counsel at First Liberty. “It was intolerant of University of Michigan Health to fire Valerie because of her religious beliefs, and now the Sixth Circuit has recognized that they cannot avoid accountability by hiding the case in arbitration.”
“We applaud the Court’s decision today that ensures Valerie will receive her day in court,” said Kevin Wynosky, an associate at the law firm Clement & Murphy, who argued the case at the Sixth Circuit. “Valerie loves her community and her job. She was devastated when University of Michigan Health officials derided her beliefs and fired her after 17 years of dedicated service.”
This ruling strengthens the legal protections for employees whose constitutional rights are at stake. Plus, it’s a significant step toward a final victory. But this legal fight is far from over.
The case is being sent back down to the lower court, meaning there’s still a long stretch of litigation ahead. Next, we’ll get to argue the merits of the case and prove in court that Michigan Health violated the law by firing our client.
Valerie is the third generation in her family to work in her local health care system. She has always been committed to giving the best possible care to all her patients and treating them all respectfully, regardless of their sexual orientation or declared gender. She regularly received exemplary reviews, and supervisors called her “professional,” “very ethical,” and a “pleasure to work with.”
After a mandatory “diversity and inclusion” training, she asked for a religious accommodation because she could not affirm statements about gender identity that violated her religious beliefs.
Despite her stellar record, a Michigan Health representative with no medical training called Valerie “evil” and a “liar,” blamed her for gender dysphoria-related suicides and told her she could not take the Bible or her religious beliefs to work with her. Less than a month later, she was fired.
Medical professionals like Valerie should not have to abandon their religious beliefs in order to remain employed. Valerie has a legal right to work without having to violate her religious convictions, so that she can continue caring for her community and her patients.
The past four years have been difficult for Valerie. Even so, she continues to show courage and determination.
She’s not backing down—and neither is First Liberty. Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood. Our nation’s laws ensure that they don’t have to face that difficult choice.
Winning Valerie’s case is possible—but it’s going to take time, resources and prayer. Can she count on your continued support through this next phase of litigation?
Please give to First Liberty today.
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