State-mandated training aimed at the well-being of students who identify as a gender or sexual orientation other than the one God gave them (along with other related issues) is not new, especially in California. However, this year’s PRISM training, mandated by Assembly Bill 5, came with a heavy-handed expectation to implement (not just be informed of) the state’s preferred methods of affirming and supporting these students and their social and emotional well-being.
Many Christian educators find that the training itself uses methodologies forcing affirmations that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, creating a moral dilemma. And the PRISM training mandates potentially cast them into the difficult position of having to choose between upholding their religious beliefs and meeting a state-imposed obligation as a condition of employment. Thankfully, federal law provides an opportunity for public educators with this dilemma to appeal for an accommodation on the basis of those beliefs.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Fact Sheet states that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for an applicant or employee whose sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance conflicts with a work requirement, unless providing the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the employer. The law aims to prevent individuals from being forced to choose between their religious convictions and practices and their job.”
We are happy to report that Christian Educators partnered with several public interest law firms to develop legal strategies that help our California members formally request reasonable religious accommodations and inform employers of their duty to provide them.
The first level of this strategy invites school districts to do the right thing, follow federal law, and grant an accommodation. The Lord has already provided some success at this level, as some districts have taken that reasonable course of action to accommodate these educators.
If a district is not inclined to respond favorably to this initial invitation, the next level involves a more specific request by way of an attorney. We are quite pleased with the results of this strategy so far and remain grateful to the Lord for providing for His people through the law of the land!
If you are facing pressure in your role as an educator due to your sincerely held religious beliefs, you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Christian Educators is committed to supporting educators who need guidance, encouragement, and assistance in pursuing reasonable religious accommodations under the law. We encourage you to reach out to our team so we can stand with you, pray with you, and help you explore the options available to protect both your faith and your calling in education.
