The Jurupa Unified School District has agreed to settle a case after it failed to provide a teacher with a religious accommodation. Jessica Tapia taught physical education in the district and frequently commented online about her views of biblical sexuality. When her social media posts caught the attention of the district, the school told Tapia that she must refer to students according to their perceived gender identity instead of pronouns that correspond to their sex. Additionally, the school also told Tapia she must keep these decisions secret from the child’s parents. Although no student had requested that Tapia do these things, the school said she must comply with these policies.

The district put her on administrative leave after she refused. Tapia then took a medical leave of absence and was fired in January 2023. She sued the district in May 2023 for failing to uphold her First Amendment rights. The district has now agreed to pay $360,000 to Tapia and her attorneys. The district claimed that the “settlement is not a win for Ms. Tapia, but is in compromise of a disputed claim. . . .

The settlement certainly does not state or prove any illegal action or discrimination by the District.” However, some hope the case will encourage others to take a stand for their religious beliefs. “Jessica’s story is one of faithful courage,” said Julianne Fleischer, legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “She fought back to ensure her school district was held accountable and that no other teacher has to succumb to this type of discrimination.”