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No. 19-267October Term 2019Decided Jul 8, 2020

Docket 19-267October Term 2019 (2019–2020)

Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru

This case asked whether teachers at Catholic elementary schools who taught religion and led students in religious activities count as “ministers” for First Amendment purposes, even if they did not have formal ministerial titles or extensive religious training.

Case status

Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released Jul 8, 2020
Case Accepted
Arguments
Decision ReleasedJul 8, 2020
What it's about

This case asked whether teachers at Catholic elementary schools who taught religion and led students in religious activities count as “ministers” for First Amendment purposes, even if they did not have formal ministerial titles or extensive religious training. The dispute arose after two teachers sued their schools for employment discrimination and the schools argued that the Constitution bars courts from reviewing those claims.

Question presented

Whether the Religion Clauses prevent civil courts from adjudicating employment discrimination claims brought by an employee against her religious employer, where the employee carried out important religious functions?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Decision released Jul 8, 2020

Area

First Amendment, Civil Rights

Timing

Decided July 8, 2020

The Court released its decision on July 8, 2020 without hearing oral argument.