6-Figure Victory: Christian Teacher Who Refused to Use Trans Pronouns Turns Tables on School
In a landmark case for religious freedom, Ohio middle school teacher Vivian Geraghty has triumphed over her former employer, Jackson Local School District, securing a $450,000 settlement for damages and attorney fees after being forced to resign for her refusal to use transgender pronouns.
Geraghty, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), argued that the school violated her First Amendment rights when it demanded she comply with students’ requests to be addressed by names and pronouns that did not align with their biological sex. Citing her Christian beliefs, Geraghty declined, maintaining that participating in the students’ “social transition” would force her to communicate messages she found untrue and harmful.
The Incident
The conflict began on the first day of school in August 2022, when two students requested Geraghty use their preferred names and pronouns. After Geraghty continued addressing the students by their legal names, one student complained to a school counselor, accusing the teacher of “dead-naming.”
When administrators demanded Geraghty comply or resign, she chose the latter. The ADF swiftly stepped in, filing a lawsuit on her behalf and accusing the district of abusing its power.
Legal Victory
“The school tried to force Vivian to accept and repeat the school’s viewpoint on issues that go to the foundation of morality and human identity,” said Logan Spena, legal counsel for ADF. “The First Amendment prohibits that abuse of power, and Jackson Local School District officials have learned that comes at a steep cost.”
This case is one of several recent victories for Christian educators. ADF has also secured settlements for teachers like Peter Vlaming, who received $575,000 in a similar case.
A Stand for Truth
Geraghty’s victory is being hailed as a reminder that standing firm on moral and religious convictions can lead to vindication. While critics argue that refusing to honor students’ chosen identities is harmful, supporters contend that speaking the truth—even when it’s unpopular—is the ultimate act of love and integrity.
This case underscores the growing tension between religious liberty and progressive education policies, with more battles likely on the horizon.
Mark Van der Veen offers some of the most analytical and insightful writings on politics. He regularly opines on the motives and political calculations of politicians and candidates, and whether or not their strategy will work. Van der Veen offers a contrast to many on this list by sticking mainly to a fact-based style of writing that is generally combative with opposing ideologies.
