teachers in Harrisonburg, Virginiayou don't have to ask about students' preferred pronouns or use after the lawsuit was settled Tuesday.
Deborah Figliola, Kristen Marsh, and Laura Nelson filed a lawsuit in June 2022 against the Harrisonburg City School Board, saying their rights protected under the Commonwealth's Free Speech Clause and Virginia's Religious Freedom Restoration Act had been violated by persuasive speech to which they object.
The lawsuit stemmed from the teachers having to undergo training to ensure they comply with the school board's nondiscrimination policy, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which represents the teachers. The training entailed asking teachers to question the student Name and “preferred” pronouns. And always use it.
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The Alliance Defending Freedom won a legal victory in Rockingham County Circuit Court on Tuesday, representing Christian educators who challenged Harrisonburg Public Schools. Photographer: Jenna Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Gina Moon)
Teachers said they are also expected to do so without notifying parents or obtaining their consent. Harrisonburg Public Schools' non-discrimination policy has threatened discipline against teachers and even “termination” for non-compliance.
The two sides reached an agreement when School Board Grants Religious accommodation for teachers Tuesday.
In the settlement, the school board asserted that it does not require employees to ask about or use students' preferred names and pronouns and “(does not) support concealing or withholding information from parents.” The Board of Directors agreed to continue informing employees of available religious accommodations.
All teachers are protected “under the Constitution to do their jobs consistent with their religious beliefs, including how they refer to their students and the vital information they share with them,” said Kate Anderson, ADF senior counsel and director of the ADF Center for Parental Rights. “Fathers.”
“We are pleased to resolve this case favorably on behalf of our clients and ensure that the Harrisonburg City School Board will respect every teacher’s right to speak consistent with her faith,” Anderson said.
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The Alliance Defending Freedom won a legal victory in Rockingham County Circuit Court on Tuesday, representing Christian educators who challenged Harrisonburg Public Schools.
“The Harrisonburg City School Division is pleased to see this lawsuit resolved,” the Harrisonburg City Public School Board said in a statement. “From the beginning, our focus has been on supporting all students and staff with dignity and respect. Before the lawsuit began, we were open to collaborating on accommodations.” To meet diverse needs, as evidenced by our correspondence with the ADF in early 2022.
“Our commitment is reflected in our School Board policies and procedures, including adopting the official Religious Accommodations Policy (Policy 682) more than a year ago and implementing training for staff in August. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
“This case was concluded because the processes we have always encouraged – both formal and informal – proved effective. We are pleased with this resolution and wish it could have been accomplished without a lawsuit.”
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ADF won a similar case In November, a school board in Virginia was involved in the expulsion of a teacher for refusing to use a student's preferred pronouns.
ADF lawyer said Fox News Digital At the time, the settlement had “seismic effects.”
“It protects all teachers in Virginia and its reasoning should guide other courts addressing similar issues,” said Christine Wagner, ADF President and CEO.
The Virginia-based West Point School Board has agreed to pay former high school teacher Peter Fleming $575,000 in damages and attorney fees after he refused to call a transgender student by his preferred pronouns.
