As the third generation in her family to work in her local health care system, Kloosterman served her community for 17 years at Michigan Health. She regularly received 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, sexual orientation, or declared gender.
But then the University of Michigan Health System took over her clinic.
In summer 2021, after mandatory “diversity and inclusion” training, she asked for a religious accommodation because she could not affirm statements about gender that violated her Christian beliefs, nor could she participate by referring patients for sex-obscuring surgeries or using pronouns that conflicted with human biology.
During follow-up meetings, a Michigan Health diversity representative called Kloosterman “evil,” 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.
After she filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Valerie’s attorneys at First Liberty sent a letter to Michigan Health asking for her reinstatement, but Michigan Health refused.
So, in October 2022, First Liberty filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Valerie. Then, in September 2023, Federal Judge Jane Beckering allowed Valerie’s Free Exercise, Equal Protection, and Title VII religious discrimination claims to proceed.
Close to two years later, in February 2025, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral argument in the case.
Then in August 2025, the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of Valerie, holding that Michigan Health’s request for arbitration came too late. The court held that “defendants may not play ‘heads I win, tails you lose’ by keeping arbitration in reserve just in case.” This ruling strengthens the legal protections for employees whose constitutional rights are at stake.
“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.”
Kevin Wynosky, an associate at Clement & Murphy PLLC who argued the case at the Sixth Circuit, stated, “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. We applaud the Court’s decision today that ensures Valerie will receive her day in court.”
The case will now return to the district court, where we will litigate the merits of Valerie’s claims.
News Release
For Immediate Release: 8.27.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Physician Assistant Fired for Her Religious Beliefs
Valerie Kloosterman’s case can proceed in court challenging her unlawful termination
Cincinnati, OH—First Liberty Institute and the law firm Clement & Murphy PLLC announced today that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of Valerie Kloosterman, a physician assistant who was fired from her job for her religious beliefs.
“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.”
Kevin Wynosky, an associate at Clement & Murphy PLLC who argued the case at the Sixth Circuit, stated, “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. We applaud the Court’s decision today that ensures Valerie will receive her day in court.”
Valerie Kloosterman worked as a physician assistant for 17 years, serving her community and helping others. The Court recognized that she received “exemplary performance reviews,” had a “stellar” reputation with patients, and “treated all patients the same regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” But when Valerie asked for a religious accommodation from affirming statements that violated her Christian faith and her medical judgment, a Michigan Health diversity representative called Valerie “evil,” blamed her for gender dysphoria-related suicides, and told her she could not take the Bible or her religious beliefs to work with her. Valerie was fired in August 2021.
Valerie sued to vindicate her constitutional rights and to protect other healthcare providers from a similar fate. But “after a year of litigation and . . . after the Hospital got a sneak peak of how the case would proceed if it remained in court,” Michigan Health tried to change the forum to arbitration. The Sixth Circuit held that “this request came too late,” and that “defendants may not play ‘heads I win, tails you lose’ by keeping arbitration in reserve just in case.” This ruling strengthens the legal protections for employees whose constitutional rights are at stake.
The University of Michigan also recently announced that it has ended gender-transition treatments for minors under the age of 19.
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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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