Green v. Graduate Theological Union

**What Happened** Green, an employee at the Graduate Theological Union, sued his employer after being terminated. He claimed the firing was wrongful and violated disability discrimination laws. Green also argued that his constitutional rights were violated, including his right to due process and free speech. **What the Court Decided** The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Green and dismissed his entire case. The court found several problems with his claims: Green failed to prove he had a legally recognized disability under federal disability laws, he couldn't show that his constitutional rights were violated because the employer wasn't acting as a government entity, and his free speech claim was blocked by legal immunity rules that protect certain institutions from federal lawsuits. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case highlights important limitations workers face when suing employers. To win a disability discrimination case, employees must clearly establish they have a qualifying disability under federal law. Additionally, constitutional rights claims (like free speech violations) typically only apply when government employers are involved. Private employers generally have more flexibility in employment decisions. Workers considering legal action should understand these requirements and consult with employment attorneys to evaluate whether their specific situations meet legal standards for successful claims.