by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
On Tuesday, attorneys from WilmerHale, in partnership with First Liberty, argued in federal district court on behalf of Marisol Arroyo-Castro, a veteran teacher threatened with termination for having a small crucifix near her desk.
Our legal team urged the court to stop the New Britain School District’s discrimination and retaliation against Marisol. The school district has refused to allow her to return to the classroom since December 2024.
After three decades of dedicated service, district officials gave her an impossible choice: hide her crucifix from view or face discipline. When Marisol couldn’t bring herself to hide this expression of her faith, they suspended her without pay for two days and then placed her on administrative leave, putting her in danger of getting fired.
If threatening to fire her wasn’t bad enough, school officials doubled down and transferred Marisol to a nonteaching role within the district—keeping this dedicated teacher from doing the job she loves.
First Liberty sued the school district and reported it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over its wrongful and illegal actions.
“The school district’s actions violate recent Supreme Court precedents that uphold teachers’ rights for engaging in personal religious observances and expressions,” said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “No teacher should be punished for hanging a small cross next to her desk in the classroom. We have no choice but to ask the federal court as well as the EEOC to stop the district’s unconstitutional behavior.”
In our landmark victory for Coach Joe Kennedy, the Supreme Court made clear that teachers, coaches and public employees have a right to quietly express their religious beliefs, even in view of students.
Marisol hasn’t done anything wrong. Like all teachers across the country, she has every right to express her faith in the area around her desk just as other teachers engage in personal expression in the same space. Other teachers display family photos, inspirational quotes and Baby Yoda items without fearing punishment.
Even so, the school district won’t back down. Instead of following the Supreme Court’s direction, officials insist on punishing this dedicated teacher over her faith and dragging her into court.
Will you fight for Marisol and stand with First Liberty against religious discrimination?
This legal battle is just getting started—and Marisol is counting on us to deliver a victory. Your support will give our expert attorneys the resources we need to protect Marisol’s right to express her faith and get her back to the classroom.
Please give to First Liberty today.
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