Staff Reports
A teacher who was fired from a California high school after refusing to comply with the school’s transgender student policies has reached a $360,000 settlement with the school district. Jessica Tapia, a physical education teacher at Jurupa Valley High School, was terminated in January 2023 for not following the school’s directives regarding transgender and “gender non-conforming” students.
Christian Teacher Who Was Fired for Objecting to California School’s Transgender Policies Gets the Last Laugh https://t.co/o0yN94O2Db
— IJR (@TheIJR) May 18, 2024
The school had mandated that teachers use students’ “preferred pronouns,” allow them to use the locker rooms and bathrooms that aligned with their “gender identity,” and could not inform parents of a student’s changed gender identity without the student’s consent. Tapia, who was outspoken about her conservative and Christian beliefs on social media but did not discuss her beliefs in class, was accused of unprofessional conduct and ultimately fired after seeking a religious accommodation.
According to Tapia, she was questioned about her Christian faith and was told that her religious beliefs could not be accommodated. The district accused her of refusing to use a student’s preferred pronouns, but Tapia maintains that she was never actually faced with that situation and was asked about how she would hypothetically handle a situation with a transgender student. Tapia sued the school district for wrongful termination in May 2023 and has now reached a settlement with the district.
Tapia’s attorney, Julianne Fleischer of Advocates for Faith & Freedom, called the settlement an “incredible victory” for Tapia and stated that her religious beliefs were not accommodated when they could have been. The school district insisted that the settlement is not a win for Tapia but is in compromise of a disputed claim. The district also claimed that the settlement is not an admission of any liability, emphasizing that the resolution is a compromise.
The case brings attention to the challenges faced by individuals who object to certain school policies and encourages teachers to speak out despite potential personal risk. The article emphasizes that Tapia’s refusal to comply with the school’s transgender policies highlights the broader issue of objecting to such policies being considered unacceptable in public schools. The article also includes a call for support to continue fighting against perceived corruption and to help maintain America’s democratic process.
