News Release
For Immediate Release: 3.2.26
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Nashville First Grade Teacher Record Cleared After Threats of Termination Over Objectionable Books
Teacher had been removed from first grade class and faced termination after refusing to read materials to his class that violated his religious beliefs.
Nashville, TN—First Liberty Institute announced today that the KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary School in Nashville, TN has agreed to clear the record of teacher Eric Rivera after previously issuing a “final warning letter” and removing him from his first grade teaching position when he refused to read a book to his first graders that promotes same-sex marriage despite having another teacher read the material. The school also agreed to “permit all teachers to ask another employee to read materials objectionable to their faith.”
“We are pleased that the school has made the right decision by accommodating Mr. Rivera for his deeply held religious views,” said Cliff Martin, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute. “Our client is deeply devoted to teaching and is grateful that his record has been cleared and reasonable accommodations will be provided going forward.”
Eric Rivera is a devout Christian who taught first-grade students at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee. As part of the first-grade curriculum, teachers read students a book featuring a same-sex married couple and their daughter. Eric, due to his sincere religious beliefs, could not in good conscience read this book to his students. Knowing this, Eric asked a colleague to read the book as an accommodation of his religious beliefs. However, after the book had already been read to the students, the principal called Eric into her office and threatened to fire him should he not forfeit his beliefs and agree to teach all books in the curriculum regardless of his convictions. He was told he must “maintain fidelity” with the school’s worldview. After this, Eric sought religious accommodation, unwilling to back down from his faith. He was then reassigned.
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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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