Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
In brief
The Court ruled that Perich was a minister covered by the First Amendment rule and required her employment-discrimination suit to be dismissed.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · January 11, 2012 · Opinion by Chief Justice Roberts
- What it’s about
- Cheryl Perich, a Lutheran schoolteacher who taught religion and led worship, sued after Hosanna-Tabor fired her, alleging disability discrimination.
- Who it affects
- The ruling required dismissal of Perich’s disability-discrimination suit against Hosanna-Tabor because the Court considered her a minister.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court unanimously overturned the Sixth Circuit and ruled that the First Amendment required her suit to be thrown out because she was a minister covered by the ministerial exception, a rule barring ministers’ employment-discrimination suits against religious groups.
After Hosanna-Tabor fired Cheryl Perich, she alleged disability discrimination. She was a commissioned minister who taught secular subjects and religion and led students in prayer and worship.
The ministerial exception is a First Amendment rule that bars ministers’ employment-discrimination claims against religious organizations.
Question presented
Does the ministerial exception, which prohibits most employment-related lawsuits against religious organizations by employees performing religious functions, apply to a teacher at a religious elementary school who teaches the full secular curriculum, but also teaches daily religion classes, is a commissioned minister, and regularly leads students in prayer and worship?
What the Court decided
Holding
The Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment bar suits brought on behalf of ministers against their churches, claiming termination in violation of employment discrimination laws. Because Perich was a minister within the meaning of the ministerial exception, the First Amendment requires dismissal of this employment discrimination suit against her religious employer. Pp. 15– 21. 597 F. 3d 769, reversed.
- Result
- Reversed
The Court's reasoning
The Court said the First Amendment’s protections for religion bar ministers’ employment-discrimination suits against their religious employers. It concluded Perich was a minister, so her suit had to be thrown out.
The vote
- Majority author
- John G. Roberts, Jr.
What's next
The Court’s ruling requires dismissal of Perich’s suit.
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Audio Recording added: Oral Arguments - Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Opinion added: Opinion
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.