by Jorge Gomez, Director of Content Strategy
After being fired over her religious beliefs, physician assistant Valerie Kloosterman can finally look forward to starting a new chapter in life.
Valerie worked at University of Michigan Health-West for 17 years and had an exemplary reputation with patients of all beliefs and backgrounds. But when Valerie raised her faith-based concerns about a mandatory gender identity training, she was met with hostility toward her religious beliefs and fired in August 2021.
After several years of litigation, we’ve reached a favorable resolution with Valerie’s former employer.
Her stellar record is vindicated. Plus, she will receive a significant settlement to compensate for the discrimination she faced.
The settlement also requires the company to create a religious accommodation policy, notify and train all its employees, and grant reasonable accommodations without retaliation.
Under the new policy, employees will not be required to perform or assist with gender transition treatments that violate their religious beliefs. Plus, employees won’t be required to use pronouns in a way that violates their faith and conscience.
First Liberty Senior Counsel Stephanie Taub appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss Valerie’s victory and why this is a win for all employees at UMHW.
Thank you for supporting Valerie and First Liberty. You played a big part in making this resolution happen. This victory is going to impact people of faith working in the healthcare system today—and for many years to come.
Even with this victory, the fight for religious freedom is far from over.
First Liberty is in the midst of intense legal battles to stop workplace discrimination—including ongoing cases for:
Your support makes a tremendous difference for our clients. A timely gift today can make a big difference. Join the fight for faith and help us deliver freedom for those who are still fighting to have their rights restored.
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