A Wisconsin teacher, Jordan Cernek, has recently reached a significant settlement with the Argyle School District after being fired for his religious objections to a policy requiring staff to use the preferred names and pronouns of trans-identified students. This case has sparked discussions about religious freedom in educational settings and the rights of teachers to uphold their beliefs.
In May 2023, Cernek was dismissed from his position when he expressed his unwillingness to comply with the district’s policy. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) announced that the school district has agreed to pay Cernek $20,000 to settle the matter. The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, claimed that his termination violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the First Amendment, and protections under the Wisconsin Constitution.
Cernek had informed the district of his religious objections, stating that he could not refer to students by names or pronouns that contradicted his beliefs. Despite his attempts to resolve the situation, the district warned him that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary action, ultimately resulting in the non-renewal of his contract.
In a statement following the settlement, Cernek expressed gratitude for the resolution and encouraged other educators to stand firm in their beliefs. He emphasized that the district’s actions were an attempt to coerce him into compromising his religious convictions.
Nathalie Burmeister, an associate counsel at WILL, highlighted the importance of this case for religious freedom, stating that it underscores a fundamental liberty upon which the nation was founded. "Jordan’s victory is critical to advancing the cause of religious freedom across the country," she remarked.
Cernek’s situation is not isolated. Other educators have faced similar challenges for refusing to adhere to policies that conflict with their religious beliefs. For example, Pamela Ricard, a Kansas math teacher, was suspended in 2021 for not using a trans-identified student’s preferred name and pronouns. She later secured a $95,000 settlement with her school district. Similarly, Peter Vlaming, a Virginia French teacher, was dismissed for similar reasons and reached a $575,000 settlement with his former school.
In response to growing concerns over religious freedom in educational environments, several states have enacted laws to protect teachers who refuse to use preferred names and pronouns that contradict their beliefs. Wyoming recently passed legislation aimed at safeguarding state employees, while Idaho implemented a measure specifically protecting public school teachers.
As discussions about gender identity and religious beliefs continue to unfold in schools across the nation, the outcomes of these cases may set important precedents for the rights of educators. The intersection of faith and education remains a critical topic, and the resolution of such disputes will likely influence future policies and practices in schools.
For more detailed information about religious freedom cases in education, you can visit the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and explore their resources.