School board discriminates against Christian student teachers

Government officials are showing open hostility towards people for their religious beliefs.

In February, Arizona’s Washington Elementary School District board voted unanimously to sever its 11-year partnership with Arizona Christian University (ACU), which had allowed student teachers and practicum students to gain valuable classroom experience, while providing a stable source of quality teachers for the district’s elementary schools.

In severing the partnership, the school board cited zero complaints about ACU students or alumni, and administrators in the district had even asked for more teachers from ACU. So why would the district abruptly end their relationship?

One word: discrimination.

Board members made crystal clear that they consider ACU students and their Christian beliefs on biblical marriage and sexuality to be “not safe.” Even after Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit against the district, a board member doubled down and called ACU’s beliefs “openly bigoted.”

That’s religious discrimination. And it’s illegal.

That’s why Alliance Defending Freedom is standing with the students at ACU and suing the school board. No government should FORCE an American to choose between their religious beliefs and their opportunity to participate in student teacher programs.

But we need your help. We never charge our clients—including ACU and their students—a single dime to represent them in the courtroom. But we can only do that through the continued generosity of Americans like you. Your gift of $25, $50, $75, $100 or more can help Alliance Defending Freedom protect your right to live out your faith—without fear of government punishment.