Bible College Accuses Chicago Public Schools of Faith-Based Hiring Discrimination

The Moody Bible Institute has initiated legal action against the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), alleging discrimination in their student-teaching program. The lawsuit, launched on November 4, 2023, claims CPS barred its students from participating due to the institution’s religious hiring policies.

Details of the Lawsuit

Represented by the conservative Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, Moody argues that CPS requires the college to sign nondiscrimination agreements that conflict with its religious beliefs. Specifically, these agreements prohibit Moody from hiring individuals who share its Christian faith and adhere to its code of conduct concerning gender and sexuality.

The lawsuit highlights that CPS demanded Moody sign two agreements containing similar nondiscrimination language before permitting participation in their Pre-Service Teaching Program. Moody sought to amend the language to preserve its right to hire employees reflecting its Christian values, but CPS refused the modification, adhering instead to its strict nondiscrimination policies.

Impact on Students

The exclusion is said to significantly affect Moody students pursuing elementary education degrees. The students require both classroom observation and student-teaching hours to qualify for teaching licenses in Illinois. The lawsuit posits that CPS’s actions not only harm students’ education but also tarnish the reputation of Moody’s teaching program.

• CPS is the largest school district in Illinois.
• Moody’s exclusion affects students’ job prospects, especially within the state’s largest teaching market.
• The district reportedly manages an operating budget exceeding $8 billion.
• CPS struggles annually to fill hundreds of teaching vacancies.

Claims of Selective Enforcement

Moody’s lawsuit points out that other religious institutions with similar hiring practices continue to partner with CPS. This inconsistency raises questions about the enforcement of CPS’s nondiscrimination policies. The complaint suggests that CPS applies its “Equity Framework” and diversity initiatives selectively, particularly concerning race and gender-based hiring goals.

Legal Arguments

The lawsuit contends that CPS’s demands violate both the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The suit requests the court to declare CPS’s actions unconstitutional and to prevent the enforcement of nondiscrimination provisions against Moody’s hiring practices. Additionally, it seeks both nominal and compensatory damages for the students and the institution.

In a statement, Jeremiah Galus, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, emphasized the necessity for more teachers in Chicago. He criticized CPS for prioritizing personal ideologies over the critical needs of families and students in the region.

The Chicago Board of Education has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit.