Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 3.16.26
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
The President’s Religious Liberty Commission Hears from Healthcare Workers Facing Religious Liberty Threats
Valerie Kloosterman testified about how University of Michigan fired for her religious beliefs regarding gender and sexuality.
Washington, D.C.—Today, President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission heard testimony from First Liberty client, Valerie Kloosterman, who was fired by the University of Michigan Health System after 17 years of excellent patient care. She shared about the impact of her termination and the need to protect others from religious discrimination.
“It’s bad medicine to force religious healthcare professionals like Valerie to choose between their faith and their job,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO and Chief Legal Counsel for First Liberty and member of the President’s Religious Liberty Commission. “It is disgraceful and unlawful to ask any person to violate their conscience rights and religious beliefs that are protected by the Constitution.”
As the third generation in her family to work in her local health care system, Valerie served her community for 17 years, regularly receiving exemplary reviews, and supervisors called her “professional,” “very ethical,” and a “pleasure to work with.” She treated all her patients respectfully, regardless of their background. When the University of Michigan Health System took over her clinic, all employees were required to complete “diversity and inclusion” training. She asked for a religious accommodation because she could not affirm statements about gender that violated her Christian beliefs. University of Michigan officials attacked her faith and interrogated her about pronouns and gender-transition procedures. Then they fired her.
In her testimony, Valerie said, “I’m praying that God would use my case to protect religious liberty for my children and for the next generation so they can freely live out their faith in the workplace.”
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is 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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