Judge Upholds Suspension of Connecticut Teacher Who Had Crucifix in Classroom

The plaintiff intends to appeal, citing religious discrimination and a violation of her First Amendment rights.

An undated photograph shows a crucifix in a small part of teacher Marisol Arroyo-Castro's workspace at DiLorento Elementary and Middle School in New Britain, Conn., before she was suspended for refusing to remove it. Courtesy of First Liberty Institute

A federal judge on Nov. 3 upheld the suspension of a school teacher in New Britain, Connecticut, who refused to remove a crucifix from the wall above her school workspace.

U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Russell ruled that it is not legally permissible for a government employee, including public school teachers, to display a religious artifact in a classroom if the object is unrelated to instruction.