News Release
For Immediate Release: 3.25.26
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Trump Administration Asked to Investigate Kentucky Coffee Shop after Firing Employee for Religious Beliefs
Law firms filed an EEOC charge on behalf of employee terminated for sharing Christian beliefs on marriage with inquiring coworker.
Louisville, KY—First Liberty Institute and the law firm Sturgill Turner filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) against local Louisville coffee shop chain, Heine Brothers, on behalf of former employee and current college student, Paige Rogers. After being asked by a coworker about her views on marriage and other sensitive topics, Paige respectfully shared her Christian beliefs. Following this, Heine Brothers terminated Paige via text because of those Christian beliefs.
You can read the charge here.
“The idea that an employer can fire an employee for simply voicing a religious belief, after being invited to do so, is chilling,” said Cliff Martin, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “No employee should have to hide their faith in order to keep their job.”
Paige Rogers is a sophomore at Boyce College, a Christian university in Louisville, Kentucky. Paige’s Christian faith is a core part of who she is, defining how she thinks and views the world. While in college, she began a part-time job working as a barista at Heine Brothers Coffee, a local coffee shop. During a shift on October 1, 2025, a coworker discovered Paige attended Boyce College, and she and another coworker subsequently grilled her about her religious beliefs on marriage, sexuality, and other sensitive topics. Paige answered truthfully and respectfully, understanding that while her beliefs are central to who she is, not all people possess her same outlook. Despite this, the employees took serious offense to Paige’s answers, and Heine Brothers fired Paige via text message twelve days later on October 13, 2025. There was no warning or conversation offered by Heine Brothers, only their short explanation in the text demonstrating they fired her because of her religious beliefs. They did not mention the fact that Paige’s coworker initiated the conversation, thus inviting the discussion. First Liberty Institute is filing an EEOC charge of discrimination with the hope that the EEOC investigates Heine Brothers for religious discrimination, she will receive compensation for the days she lost income, and Heine Brothers will be held accountable for their unlawful action.
The EEOC can choose to launch an investigation into Heine Brothers actions against Paige.
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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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