Judge Issues Ruling In Teacher Classroom Crucifix Case Which Has Attracted National Attention

NEW BRITAIN, CT — A federal judge has upheld the school system’s punishment of a teacher who refused to remove a crucifix from her classroom.

Marisol Arroyo-Castro was put on administrative leave after school administrators said she displayed a crucifix near her desk and incorporated personal religious beliefs in her instruction. Arroyo-Castro most recently has been working in a non-teaching role out of district headquarters due to the controversy.

Arroyo-Castro filed a lawsuit in January against district administrators. She submitted a motion for a preliminary injunction, which asked the court to prohibit the school district from putting her on leave, reassigning or disciplining her.

In a Nov. 3 decision, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah F. Russell denied the teacher’s motion, ruling she is “not entitled to the extraordinary remedy of a preliminary injunction.”

“I conclude that Ms. Castro acted pursuant to her official duties when she posted items on the classroom wall that students would see during instructional time,” Russell wrote. “The classroom wall decorations are thus speech pursuant to Ms. Castro’s official duties and subject to the District’s control.”

First Liberty Institute and the law firm WilmerHale, who represent Arroyo-Castro, said the Consolidated School District of New Britain has refused to allow the teacher to return to the classroom since December 2024 and have threatened termination.

Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, said Monday that attorneys are planning an appeal and will “continue to fight for Marisol’s religious liberty rights.”

“(The Nov. 3) decision flies in the face of clear Supreme Court precedent,” Russell said. “Requiring a teacher to purge their workspace of anything religious is blatant discrimination that violates the First Amendment.”

Arroyo-Castro, a seventh grade teacher at DiLoreto Elementary & Middle School, said she is “extremely disappointed” with the judge’s decision.

“I still hope that I will be able to return to the classroom and continue to invest in the lives of students as I have my whole teaching career,” she said.

Arroyo-Castro has been a teacher for about 32 years, and for the past decade has put a crucifix by her desk, along with student artwork and a church calendar, according to her attorneys. They assert that other local teachers have been able to display items, such as inspirational quotes, a photograph of a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a mug referencing a Bible verse.

An independent investigator engaged by district administration concluded earlier this year that Arroyo-Castro acted “inappropriately” by making religious comments in her classroom. Arroyo-Castro denies discussing religion during class.

New Britain Superintendent of Schools Tony Gasper said Tuesday of the Nov. 3 decision, “We appreciate the Court’s careful consideration of this matter and remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all students.”

The district has children from many different faiths and traditions, according to Gasper.

“It is our legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that classrooms remain neutral spaces where every student feels safe, respected, and included,” Gasper said.

Attorney Eric Del Pozo of Shipman & Goodwin, who represents school officials, added, “The school district is pleased with the court’s decision and remains committed to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to learn in a respectful classroom environment.”

Read more:
Teacher Made ‘Inappropriate’ Religious Comments In Class, Investigator Concludes
Classroom Crucifix Causes Controversy In New Britain