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Teacher Wins Settlement
A southwestern Wisconsin school district is paying a former teacher $20,000 after firing him for refusing to use a student’s other pronouns.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on Monday announced the settlement between The Argyle School District teacher Jordan Cernek.
Cernek said back in 2022 he refused to call a trans student by different pronouns because of his religious convictions.
Cernek said he tried to find a workaround, but claims the school district said it wasn't enough. Cernek said the District warned him that refusing to refer to students by preferred names and pronouns would result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
In 2023, the school district did not renew Cernek's contract.
A year later he sued.
On Monday, WILL announced that Cernek won his case.
"School districts have a duty to reasonably accommodate their employees’ religious beliefs, and Mr. Cernek’s willingness to stand up for his religious beliefs is admirable," WILL Deputy Counsel, Luke Berg, said.
“The district tried to force me to betray my religious convictions and commitment to God. I am grateful that there was some resolution to this matter and will continue to encourage teachers to stand up for their beliefs," Cernek added.
Argyle Schools have not said anything about the settlement, or Cernek’s departure.
“Freedom of religion is a core liberty that our nation and state were founded upon. [Cernek’s] victory is critical to advancing the cause of religious freedom across the country,” WILL Associate Counsel, Nathalie Burmeister added.
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