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.
“It is intolerant and unconstitutional for employers to demand that medical professionals like Valerie abandon their religious beliefs in order to remain employed,” remarked Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “The University of Michigan Health-West system is sending a message that religious health care workers are not welcome and need not apply. We hope Michigan Health is held accountable for its discrimination.”
News Release
For Immediate Release: 2.6.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Physician Assistant Fired for Faith Has Day in Court, Asks Sixth Circuit to Protect Her Religious Freedom
Attorneys defend Valerie Kloosterman’s right to exercise her faith in the workplace following unlawful termination from Michigan hospital.
Cincinnati, OH— Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral argument in the case of Valerie Kloosterman, a longtime physician assistant who was fired from her job due to her religious beliefs. Kloosterman is seeking to be reinstated at Michigan Heath-West with a religious accommodation for issues surrounding gender affirming care. She is represented by First Liberty Institute and the law firm Clement & Murphy, PLLC.
“It is intolerant and unconstitutional for employers to demand that medical professionals like Valerie abandon their religious beliefs in order to remain employed,” remarked Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “The University of Michigan Health-West system is sending a message that religious health care workers are not welcome and need not apply. We hope Michigan Health is held accountable for its discrimination.”
Kevin Wynosky, Associate at Clement & Murphy, PLLC, stated, “Valerie loves her community and her job. She is devastated that the University of Michigan health system derided her beliefs and demanded that she choose between her faith and providing health care.”
Valerie Kloosterman worked as a physician assistant at Michigan Health-West for 17 years, serving her community and helping others. She regularly received exemplary reviews, with supervisors calling 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 when Valerie told HR her religious beliefs prohibited her from affirming statements about transgender medical procedures, using transgender pronouns, or referring patients for transgender surgeries, she was terminated by Michigan Health-West.
During follow-up meetings, 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 cannot in good conscience personally administer or perform experimental procedures that violate her religious beliefs or her medical judgment. As a result, on August 24, 2021, Valerie lost her job in order to keep her faith.
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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 Natalie Konstans at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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