Lawsuit filed against Arizona public school for discrimination against Christian university student-teachers

An Arizona school board’s decision to end its student-teacher partnership with Arizona Christian University is a case of “unconstitutional discrimination,” a new lawsuit claims.

The Alliance Defending Freedom filed suit against the Washington Elementary School District on Thursday, alleging the board “made it clear” it was ending the 10-year partnership over the university’s religious beliefs. By doing so, ADF claims the school board violated the U.S. Constitution and Arizona state law.

“Discriminating against ACU and denying opportunity to participate in the student teacher program due to religious status and beliefs is a ‘blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution, not to mention state law that protects ACU’s religious freedom,” said ADF Senior Counsel David Cortman in a statement shared online.

The board terminated the partnership after board member Tamillia Valenzuela, who notably identifies as a “furry” and wears cat ears, said she was “disheartened” by the relationship, arguing the Christian language on the website makes her “feel like I could not be safe in this school district.” 

The suit also claims the decision to end the partnership is “depriving” students in the district from much needed assistance in the classroom during a nationwide teacher shortage. 

“At a time when there is a critical shortage of qualified, caring teachers, Washington Elementary School District officials are choosing their own political ideologies over the needs of elementary children,” said ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker.  

“Not only are school officials doing a tremendous disservice to Phoenix and Glendale families by depriving their kids of much-needed teaching assistance, they are also violating the First Amendment and state law, by depriving ACU students, because of their faith, the opportunity to partner with the school district.”