A Connecticut public school teacher, Marisol Arroyo-Castro, who is Catholic, was suspended and threatened with termination after refusing to remove a crucifix from beside her desk. The teacher displayed the crucifix, among other personal items, for the past ten years before a conflict with the school led to her suspension without pay. After a compromise was reached to make the cross less visible, the school reportedly ordered Castro to hide the crucifix under her desk, leading to her refusal and subsequent suspension for insubordination. The legal firm First Liberty Institute, representing Castro, claims the district violated her constitutional rights and religious freedom. The school district disputed these claims, stating that displaying a religious symbol in a public school classroom infringes on the religious freedom of students. The teacher has been placed on paid leave while the matter is being resolved. First Liberty Institute is calling for the district to respect the teacher’s rights and allow her to display her religious beliefs without repercussions.
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