Arizona Christian University has filed a lawsuit against the Washington Elementary School District, alleging religious discrimination after the district ended its student-teaching partnership with the college.
The district oversees schools in the Phoenix area, and the contract allowed ACU students to teach within the district’s schools. The board voted unanimously to end the contract on Feb. 23, which has been met with both support and backlash from various groups.
The lawsuit alleges that the decision to end the contract was based on the religious status and beliefs of ACU students and faculty members.
During a public comments period, supporters of the board’s decision argued that ACU’s values discriminated against LGBTQ students and teachers.
On the other hand, those opposing the decision claimed that the board acted discriminatively towards Christians. ACU has asked a judge to reinstate its contract with the school district for the 2023-2024 school year.
The lawsuit claims that there have been no complaints about any ACU student or alumnus, and that the contract termination was solely based on religious status and beliefs regarding biblical marriage and sexuality.
Student teachers from ACU are required to follow the procedures and rules of their assigned districts and schools, according to the suit.
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