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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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