Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

This case involved a teacher at a Lutheran church school who sued for disability discrimination and retaliation after being fired. The teacher, Cheryl Perich, had narcolepsy and took medical leave. When she tried to return to work, the school refused to reinstate her and eventually fired her. She filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming the school discriminated against her disability and retaliated for asserting her rights. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the church school. The Court said religious organizations have a "ministerial exception" that protects them from employment discrimination lawsuits when dealing with employees who perform religious functions. Since Perich was considered a "called" teacher who led prayers and taught religion classes, the Court determined she qualified as a ministerial employee. This ruling matters significantly for workers at religious organizations. Employees who perform religious duties—like ministers, priests, rabbis, or religious teachers—cannot sue their employers for workplace discrimination under federal civil rights laws. However, the decision only applies to ministerial employees; secular workers at religious organizations may still have protection under employment discrimination laws.