Court Revives Indiana Teacher’s Religious Rights Lawsuit Over Transgender Name Policy
Appeals court says school failed to show last-name-only approach caused disruption.
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana Christian music teacher who resigned after refusing to use transgender students’ chosen names will be allowed to proceed with his lawsuit against his former school district, according to a report from Premier Christian News.
John Kluge, who taught at Brownsburg High School near Indianapolis, argued that using names and pronouns inconsistent with students’ biological sex would violate his Christian beliefs. The school initially let him address students by last names only, but rescinded the policy after complaints from students and staff, telling him to comply or face dismissal.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2–1 this week that the district had not proven the arrangement disrupted learning or harmed students. Citing a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that expanded workplace religious protections, Judge Michael Brennan wrote that the school failed to show “serious disruption” or undue hardship.
Kluge, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, claims the district punished him for his beliefs. The case will now move toward trial.
Previously, UOJ reported that New Hampshire became the first state in New England and the 20th state overall to completely ban all surgical and chemical procedures aimed at changing the gender of minors.
