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Are you being asked or expected to go against what you know is right? To participate in lies? To forgo your beliefs? To withhold information from parents? To put your students in unsafe situations? To treat students in a way you wouldn’t normally treat them? You do not have to bow down to whatever the school district asks you to do!
You have the right TO TAKE A STAND; go to teachersdontlie.com
In early 2023, Jessica Tapia made headlines when she stood firm against her school district’s controversial policy, which required staff to withhold students’ gender identities from parents without consulting the students first. Citing concerns about violating California’s anti-discrimination laws and the students’ privacy rights, Jessica refused to comply, citing her strong religious convictions. Despite her stance, the school district terminated her employment, citing her refusal to adhere to their policies.
“As Christians, we can also be in the public sector,” Jessica asserted, highlighting the tension between her religious beliefs and professional obligations. After a year-long legal battle, Jessica’s settlement agreement with the Jurupa Unified School District secured her $285,000 in compensation and $75,000 in attorney fees, highlighting the ongoing importance of protecting religious freedom in all spheres of public life.
The settlement marks a significant victory for faith-based teachers around the country and underscores the broader implications of balancing religious freedoms with professional responsibilities. Jessica Onishenko, Legal Counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom, praised Jessica’s unwavering commitment to her faith in the face of adversity.
Onishenko emphasized that Jessica’s case is emblematic of the ongoing struggle to uphold religious freedom in diverse professional environments. As debates surrounding the intersection of faith and public service continue, Jessica’s story serves as a poignant reminder that individuals should not have to compromise their deeply held beliefs to participate fully in society.
Jessica’s social media
- https://www.facebook.com/jessicashainatapia?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- https://www.instagram.com/imjessicatapia?igsh=aTZianBuMjdxdzYy
Nurses Out Loud can be heard on weekdays at 10 am ET. Listen on iHeart Radio, our world-class media player, or our free apps on Apple, Android, or Alexa. All episodes of Nurses Out Loud can be found on podcast networks worldwide the day after airing on talk radio.
Image: Composite Facebook
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