Month: February 2016

February 15, 2016
by John Kaempf

An Oregon Trial Court Judge Dismissed A Lawsuit Brought By A Student Expelled By A Religious School, As Well As His Parents, Holding That The School Has The “Sole Discretion” To Make Disciplinary Decisions About Its Students, And The First Amendment Bars Such Claims

John Kaempf, the author of this newsletter, successfully defended a lawsuit filed by a student expelled by a religious high school, whose parents also sued the school. The student was expelled due to repeated instances of misconduct at school. He sought damages for the alleged “loss of value” due to not graduating from the school and for the allegedly resulting loss of college scholarships.

February 15, 2016
by John Kaempf

Based On The First Amendment Right To Freely Exercise Religion, An Oregon Trial Court Judge Dismissed A Wrongful Discharge Lawsuit By A Teacher Against The Religious School That Fired Her For Violating Its Moral Code.

John Kaempf, the author of this newsletter, successfully defended a lawsuit against a Catholic school and its private investigator brought by a religion teacher at the school. The unmarried teacher was fired for admittedly having premarital sex in violation of Catholic doctrine. The defendant school hired the co-defendant investigator to evaluate the plaintiff’s claim that she was raped by a co-worker.

February 15, 2016
by John Kaempf

While Same Sex Marriage Is Now Legal, Oregon Law Allows Religious Institutions Like Schools And Churches To Refuse To Hire and To Fire Persons Based On A “Bona Fide Religious Belief” About Their Sexual Orientation or Marital Status.

Same sex marriage is now legal nationwide pursuant to a 2015 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Obergefell case. However, Oregon religious entities should keep in mind that, pursuant to an Oregon statute, they are not required to hire or continue to employ someone in a same sex marriage. They cannot be held liable for employment discrimination based on such actions if they have a “bona fide religious belief” against same sex marriage….