Faith
Teacher’s Settlement Sparks Debate on Religious Freedom
In a significant affirmation of religious freedom and traditional values, a Wisconsin teacher has successfully settled with the Argyle School District after facing termination for adhering to his Christian beliefs. Jordan Cernek, who was dismissed in May 2023, refused to comply with a district mandate requiring staff to use preferred names and pronouns for trans-identified students, citing his religious convictions.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) announced that the district agreed to a $20,000 settlement, concluding the legal battle that began with a lawsuit filed in July 2024. This lawsuit argued that Cernek’s termination violated both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the First Amendment, as well as the Wisconsin Constitution’s protections of religious freedom.
“To avoid acting contrary to his religious convictions, Mr. Cernek made the District aware of his religious objection to this requirement and agreed not to use any names when referring to students,” the WILL announcement stated. Despite this compromise, the district warned Cernek that failure to comply would lead to disciplinary action, culminating in the non-renewal of his teaching contract.
Cernek expressed gratitude for the resolution and remains committed to encouraging fellow educators to uphold their beliefs. “I am grateful that there was some resolution to this matter and will continue to encourage teachers to stand up for their beliefs,” he stated.
Nathalie Burmeister, Associate Counsel for WILL, underscored the broader implications of this victory for religious freedom, calling it a “core liberty that our nation and state were founded upon.” She added, “Jordan’s victory is critical to advancing the cause of religious freedom across the country.”
This case is part of a larger trend where educators face professional consequences for adhering to their religious beliefs. Notably, Kansas math teacher Pamela Ricard and Virginia French teacher Peter Vlaming both faced similar challenges and reached substantial settlements with their respective districts. These cases highlight the ongoing struggle to balance religious convictions with progressive policies in educational settings.
In response to such incidents, several states have enacted laws to protect teachers who choose not to use preferred names and pronouns due to religious objections. Wyoming and Idaho have taken legislative steps to safeguard the rights of educators and state employees, reinforcing the importance of religious freedom and individual conscience.
As we navigate these challenging times, the importance of standing firm in our faith and values cannot be overstated. The resolution of Cernek’s case serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the enduring principles of faith, family, and freedom that have long been the bedrock of our great nation.
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Faith Facts
- Chris Tomlin is releasing the Jesus Saves EP in early 2026, following a record-breaking album year.
- The EP features collaborations, including with the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir and Phil Wickham.
- Tomlin’s recent music revives ancient Christian hymns, connecting believers with their spiritual heritage.
Chris Tomlin continues to use his musical gifts to unite believers in praise and worship. His heart for leading the Church shines in every project, reflecting a sense of mission rooted in faith.
“Help give people a voice to worship God.”
After notable achievements, including leading worship at a national memorial and producing music that honors Christian legacy, Tomlin sees a renewed hunger for God’s presence across America.
“For Jesus to be proclaimed so boldly throughout that whole day … what an awakening moment in our nation. It felt like a shift, something people have been praying for.”
As Tomlin lifts up the name of Jesus through his work, he inspires believers toward deeper devotion and unity, fostering hope for revival in the country.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court is considering cases about religious liberty, sports fairness, and citizenship.
- Arguments were heard about laws in West Virginia and Idaho regarding male athletes in female sports.
- Over two dozen states have enacted measures to protect women’s sports based on biological sex.
The Supreme Court’s decisions will likely have a significant impact on the nation and further defend faith and family values. Christians are watching these cases with prayerful expectation, desiring policies that uphold Biblical truths about gender and fairness.
These upcoming rulings could shape the future of our freedoms and the protection of women’s athletics throughout America.
Faith Facts
- A new documentary, Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State, explores solutions for faith-based instruction amid legal restrictions in U.S. public schools.
- The film highlights “released time religious instruction,” allowing students, with parental consent, to attend off-campus Bible classes during school hours—a practice upheld by the Supreme Court.
- Featuring voices from educators and faith leaders, the documentary encourages parents to pursue biblical influence in their children’s education within lawful and respectful means.
The documentary sheds light on the consequences of removing biblical instruction from schools and presents a constitutional option for families desiring faith in the classroom. This approach is already making a difference in communities nationwide.
Viewers will find renewed encouragement and guidance for parental involvement, connecting faith, freedom, and education while reinforcing Christian values in the next generation.
“This isn’t about forcing faith on anyone,” said director Nate Lundquist. “It’s about restoring parents’ rights and reminding America that removing faith from education had consequences. The film shows that there is a lawful, respectful way to give families the option to include Scripture in their children’s education again.”
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