A California teacher who said she was fired for refusing to use preferred pronouns just won big.
Jessica Tapia, a former physical education teacher, will receive $360,000 after settling her lawsuit with Jurupa Unified School District.
Tapia claimed she was terminated because her Christian beliefs prevented her from using students’ preferred pronouns.
She also argued she wasn’t allowed to tell parents if their child was using a different gender identity at school.
Tapia said the district’s policies violated her religious rights and freedom of speech.
She sued in May, claiming her First Amendment rights were ignored.
She said, “What happened to me can happen to anybody, and I want the next teacher to know that it is worth it to take a stand for what is right.”
Controversial Instagram posts sparked investigation
Tapia taught at Jurupa Valley High School during the 2021–2022 school year.
Things escalated when the district saw posts from her personal Instagram account.
Officials said the posts were “racist, offensive, disrespectful, and mocking towards individuals based upon their sexual orientation.”
She was placed on administrative leave and later accused of promoting her religious beliefs during class. The district also said she refused to use preferred pronouns.
Tapia was then given a “Notice of Unprofessional Conduct”, which listed conditions she had to follow to keep her job.
These included using students’ preferred pronouns, allowing students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, and not initiating Bible discussions with students.
Tapia said the directives conflicted with her religious beliefs.
She wrote to the district, explaining she could not comply with certain policies. Instead, she asked if she could simply address students by the names listed on the roster.
The district refused, saying her suggestion would violate California and federal law.
Tapia said the situation caused her “mental and emotional anguish,” and that she felt forced to choose between her faith and her career.
Settlement ends case but sparks debate
Even though the district denied wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the lawsuit. Tapia received $360,000 from the district’s insurance authority.
Her attorney, Julianne Fleischer, said, “Today’s settlement serves as a reminder that religious freedom is protected, no matter your career.”
Jacqueline Paul, the district spokesperson, said the settlement was made so the school could focus on students.
She stated, “The decision to settle this case was made in conjunction with the District’s self-insurance authority and in the best interest of the students, such that the District can continue to dedicate all of its resources and efforts to educate and support its student population regardless of their protected class.”
Tapia has not returned to teaching, but says she will continue advocating for teachers who want religious accommodation.
Featured image credit: Facebook & faith-freedom.com
