Agnes Morrissey-Berru v. Our Lady of Guadalupe School

Teacher's Discrimination Claims Against Religious School Rejected

Agnes Morrissey-Berru, a teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, sued the religious school for age and disability discrimination after her employment ended. She claimed the school treated her unfairly because of her age and a disability.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Morrissey-Berru in 2019, deciding that the school was protected by something called the "ministerial exception." This legal principle says that religious organizations have the constitutional right to choose their own clergy and teachers without interference from the government, even when discrimination laws might otherwise apply.

The court determined that because Morrissey-Berru was considered a "minister" in her teaching role at the religious school, the school could make employment decisions about her position without being subject to federal anti-discrimination laws.

This ruling matters for workers because it limits legal protections for employees at religious institutions. Teachers and other staff at religious schools may have fewer rights to challenge workplace discrimination compared to employees at secular institutions. Workers considering positions at religious organizations should understand that they may not have the same legal recourse if they face discrimination.