An elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, has cleared the disciplinary record of a Christian teacher who faced punishment after declining to read a book about same-sex marriage to his first grade students.
Eric Rivera, a teacher at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary, objected to reading the book because of his religious beliefs. Instead of presenting the material himself, Rivera asked a fellow teacher to read the book to the class, according to a report from Fox News.
School administrators responded by issuing Rivera a “final warning letter” in January, stating that he had failed to follow the required curriculum. The warning was placed in his personnel file, despite the fact that Rivera had no prior disciplinary history at the school.
According to the legal advocacy group First Liberty Institute, Rivera was called into the principal’s office the day after the warning letter was issued and was told that failing to follow the curriculum could lead to further disciplinary action, including the possibility of termination.
School leaders reportedly told Rivera he was required to maintain “fidelity” to the assigned curriculum materials. Rivera requested a religious accommodation, but instead of granting the request, the school reassigned him to other roles.
He was first moved into a lab and technology position before later being transferred to teach a kindergarten class, according to First Liberty Institute.
Rivera then sought legal assistance from First Liberty Institute, which sent a letter to the school in February challenging the disciplinary action and asking the school to accommodate his religious beliefs.
Following that communication, the school agreed to remove the disciplinary warning from Rivera’s file and adopt a policy allowing teachers to request that another staff member read materials that conflict with their religious convictions.
First Liberty Institute said the resolution represents an important step toward protecting teachers’ religious freedoms in the classroom.
Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, said the organization was pleased with the outcome.
“We are pleased that the school has made the right decision by accommodating Mr. Rivera for his deeply held religious views,” Martin said in a statement.
Martin added that Rivera remains committed to his profession and appreciates the decision to clear his record.
“Our client is deeply devoted to teaching and is grateful that his record has been cleared and reasonable accommodations will be provided going forward,” Martin said.
The school did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
