First Liberty



Today, a federal district court issued an alarming ruling against
30-year veteran teacher, Marisol Arroyo-Castro.

The court upheld a public school's punishment of Marisol for
refusing to remove a small crucifix from her personal workspace in the
classroom. The Consolidated School District of New Britian has refused
to allow Marisol to return to the classroom since December 2024 and
has threatened termination numerous times.

"Today's decision flies in the face of clear Supreme Court
precedent," said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First
Liberty. "Requiring a teacher to purge their workspace of
anything religious is blatant discrimination that violates the First
Amendment."

"I am extremely disappointed with the decision by the
court," said Marisol. "I still hope that I will be able to
return to the classroom and continue to invest in the lives of
students as I have my whole teaching career."

The judge concluded that Marisol's display of the crucifix is
not her private speech, but rather "speech pursuant to Ms.
Castro's official duties and subject to the District's
control."

That opinion contradicts the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling
in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which held that teachers,
coaches and public employees have a right to express their religious
beliefs, even in view of students.

Like all teachers across the country, Marisol 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.

This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end of the road. This
battle is just getting started-and Marisol is counting on us to
deliver a victory.

"We will appeal and continue to fight for Marisol's
religious liberty rights," Russell added.

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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