Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru

The Court decided that the Religion Clauses bar civil courts from hearing employment-discrimination claims involving religious-school employees who perform important religious functions. The case involved Catholic elementary-school teachers who taught religion and led religious activities.

Justice Alito wrote the 7–2 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Kagan, and Breyer; Justice Thomas concurred; Justices Sotomayor and Ginsburg dissented.

Majority

Alito

Roberts

Thomas

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Kagan

Breyer

Dissent

Sotomayor

Ginsburg

Religious schools may have greater control over employment decisions involving teachers who carry out key religious duties. For example, a teacher who leads students in prayer and teaches religion may not be able to bring a discrimination claim in civil court.

The Supreme Court has finished this case. The decision guides lower courts and religious schools in similar employment-discrimination disputes.

The Court said civil courts cannot hear employment-discrimination claims involving religious-school employees who perform important religious functions.

Religious schools and employees who teach religion or lead religious activities are directly affected. The decision can limit some discrimination lawsuits against those schools.

The Supreme Court has completed the case. Lower courts must apply the decision in similar disputes involving religious employers and employees.