News Release
For Immediate Release: 3.10.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear City of Stockton Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s Wrongful Termination Case
Justices Thomas and Gorsuch dissented, arguing the Court should have taken case.
Washington, D.C.—Today, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to review the decision of the Ninth Circuit which upheld the termination of a 24-year veteran fire fighter after he attended a world-renowned leadership conference held in a church. Baker Botts, First Liberty Institute, and the Church State Council represented City of Stockton fire chief Ron Hittle.
Justice Thomas, joined by Justice Gorsuch, filed a dissent arguing that the Supreme Court should have taken the case to revisit a judge-made doctrine that is “producing troubling outcomes on the ground.” According to the dissent, the McDonnell Douglas framework has creased “chaos” for lower courts evaluating employment discrimination cases like Ron Hittle’s case. He writes, “I am not aware of many precedents that have caused more confusion than this one.”
“We are disappointed with the court’s decision regarding this religious discrimination case,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel to First Liberty. “We will continue to fight for all people of faith whose religious liberty is threatened.”
“It’s unfortunate that Fire Chief Ron Hittle was denied the opportunity to present his case before a jury,” said Aaron Streett of Baker Botts. “Chief Hittle served his community faithfully and bravely for nearly 25 years and wanted the opportunity to clear his good name.”
In 2010, Ron Hittle’s superiors suggested he obtain additional leadership training to benefit the effectiveness of the department. He chose the Willow Creek Church’s Global Leadership Summit. In prior years, the world-renowned conference included notable speakers including former President Bill Clinton, former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, and others. Hittle was terminated after an anonymous caller reported that the leadership conference he attended was held in a church.
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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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