In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Jurupa Unified School District denied that it was violating Tapia’s religious rights. In a statement to ChurchLeaders, the district said:
The Jurupa Unified School District is committed to providing all students and staff with a discrimination and harassment-free learning environment and respects the religious beliefs of its students and staff. The District’s actions are always rooted in state and federal law. Specifically, under the Education Code, students are guaranteed the right to use facilities consistent with their gender identity, regardless of the gender listed on their records. State and federal antidiscrimination laws, including Title IX, also protect students and staff and obligate the District to provide a discrimination-free learning environment. Finally, all students and staff enjoy the right to privacy under the Constitutions of the United States and California. While individuals may elect to disclose their personal information to the public, the District is prohibited from doing so. Therefore, the District cannot directly comment on confidential personnel matters.
Tapia is filing a lawsuit with the help of the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). PJI president Brad Dacus says he believes Tapia “has a very strong case” because she was fired for her beliefs even though her behavior in the workplace was “spotless.”
“I have God on my side,” said Tapia, “and I believe it’s time for change, and I’m just honored that he’s using me to help bring that about.”
ChurchLeaders has reached out to Jessica Tapia for comment and will update this article in the event of a reply.
This article has been updated with a statement from the Jurupa Unified School District.
