Elementary school teachers without minister title and significant experience qualify under the “ministerial exception” which bars the filing of discrimination charges
In 2012, in the case Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. EEOC, the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment barred an employment discrimination claim brought by an elementary school teacher who held the role of “Minister of Religion, Commissioned.” In 2020, the Supreme Court affirmed its position that “courts are bound to stay out of employment disputes involving those holding certain important positions with churches and other religious institutions.”
In Our Lake of Guadalupe Sch. Morrissey-Berru St. James Sch. vs. Biel (July 8, 2020), the high court considered whether two elementary school teachers could bring employment discrimination claims against their Catholic school employers. Prior to arriving at the Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit held that both individuals feel outside the “ministerial exception” because they did not hold the formal title of “minister” and had less religious training than the plaintiff. The Supreme Court overruled that decision and held that both elementary school teachers qualified under the “ministerial exception” and were barred from bringing an employment discrimination claim against their religious employer.
Founded in 1998, OutSolve has evolved into a premier compliance-driven HR advisory firm, leveraging deep expertise to simplify complex regulatory landscapes for businesses of all sizes. With a comprehensive suite of solutions encompassing HR compliance, workforce analytics, and risk mitigation consulting, OutSolve empowers organizations to navigate the intricate world of employment regulations with confidence.
Featured Posts

What Is an I-9 Authorized Representative?

outRageous HR Podcast: What to Do When ICE Knocks: How to Prepare
Related Posts

What We’re Bringing to SHRM 2025

California Dreamin’? So are we! We’re bringing the power of HR compliance to SHRM 2025!

Form I-9 Reverification: What Is It and Who Needs It for Compliance?

Human Resources professionals juggle a long list of responsibilities from recruiting and onboarding to benefits management and legal compliance, the...

Chad & Cheese + Purple Acorn HR Morning Show: What’s Next for HR Compliance?

Between political shake-ups, shifting federal priorities, and the rise of AI in workforce oversight, HR compliance in 2025 is anything but...