Teacher wins settlement in religious discrimination case
A teacher in Kansas has won her case after being fired. According to a recent report the teacher, Pam Ricard was fired for refusing to use a student’s preferred gender pronouns. Ricard was an employee of Fort Riley Middle School located in Geary County, Kansas. The teacher was fired after refusing to refer to a student, who was a female by male pronouns. Ricard was suspended for three days in 2021 for the refusal. She refused citing her religious beliefs. The teacher was later warned for referring to the student as “Miss”. Ricard says she was also forced to conceal the student’s preferred pronouns from the child’s parents. The teacher later sued the district for religious discrimination. Ms. Ricard was awarded 95-thousand dollars in the case and will retire early as part of the settlement. Attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom represented Ms. Ricard. Attorney Joshua Ney, part of Ricard’s defense team, called the school’s attempt to force the teacher to compromise her beliefs and convince her to lie to the student’s parents, “absurdity and deceptive”. He added this ruling will show other school boards that they will pay financially if they attempt to force teachers to be deceptive to their students’ parents. Another teacher in Ireland was recently suspended for refusing to use a child’s preferred gender pronouns. He was later arrested for attempting to return to work according to reports. Here in the US the Washington Post is reporting 160 teachers have lost their jobs for refusing to teach subjects such as critical race theory or refusing to adhere to liberal and LGBT curriculums mandated by school boards.
ADF labeled hate group by official at US Justice Department
Alliance Defending Freedom made headlines for different reason this week. The law organization was criticized by a member of the Justice Department. The comments are controversial because according to the US Justice Department’s own conduct clause, employees are not allowed to give their personal opinions on political or cultural issues. Eric P. Bruskin, assistant director of the commercial litigation branch in the Justice Department's Civil Division, commented on the ADF after a fellow colleague posted about the group on social media. In the post, Jason Weida commented on speaking at an event hosted by Alliance Defending Freedom. Bruskin in response referred to the ADF as a hate group and threatened to end his association with Weida. Eric Bruskin has previously worked for the ACLU. The organization along with groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center have labeled conservative groups hate groups for their religious and conservative beliefs. The Justice Department has not commented on Bruskin’s remarks on social media.
South Carolina continues move towards ban of abortions after six weeks
The state of South Carolina is now one step closer to banning all abortions after six weeks in that state. These revisions to the bill when it passed in the South Carolina State House would allow abortions only in cases of medical emergencies, rape, incest, and if the mother’s life is in danger. The bill would allow abortions up to 12 weeks for victims of rape. The bill passed the State House by a vote of 67-38. The State Senate is expected to pass the bill, but the medical exemptions have so far been removed according to updates from politicians just this week. This move may cause the bill to be defeated, but negotiations are still reportedly in progress among members of South Carolina’s State Senate. About 100 protesters were present at the South Carolina House of Representatives to protest the bill. The current ban for abortions in South Carolina is at 20 weeks of pregnancy, if this bill does not pass. SNBC NEWS will update on this story as it continues.
SNBC HEALTH Report; the benefits of a good night’s sleep for your heart
According to reports eating right and exercising are a benefit to heart health but getting a good night’s sleep is also one of the essential needs to achieve long term heart health. The American Heart Association is encouraging Americans to get more rest daily to benefit their bodies long-term. According to the organization sleeping at least seven to nine hours a night helps the body repair. The body’s blood pressure drops during deep sleep allowing the heart to decrease its workload compared to daily activities. It also allows the brain to release growth hormones helping the heart to recover from the demands of the day, according to researchers. Cardiologist Dr. Deepak Talerja advises winding down before going to bed which includes turning off electronics. He also advises limiting processed foods, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and daily exercise.