Monday, February 18, 2013

Fired Woman Sues Christian School over Pregnancy

Celebrity feminist lawyer Gloria Allred, labeled a "media whore" by pundits, is representing Teri James against San Diego Christian College in a lawsuit admittedly aimed not at employment reinstatement, but at enriching both the attorney and her client.  Miss James was fired for violating the college's code of conduct -- a provision of the employment contract -- due to her becoming pregnant while unmarried.

For background, read the similar case: Pregnant Teacher Sues Christian School for Firing

For background, CLICK HERE to read of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that religious organizations are NOT bound by certain federal employment regulations regarding ministers, and also CLICK HERE to read of another unmarried pregnant Christian teacher who lost a similar lawsuit.



-- From  "Woman Says She Was Fired by Christian College for Pre-Marital Sex" posted at KTLA-TV5 2/15/13

Teri James is claiming wrongful termination in her lawsuit against San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, where she worked as a financial aid specialist.

The 29-year-old received a termination notice stating she “engaged in activity outside the scope of the handbook and community covenant.”

The college contends that employees and some students have to sign a clause stating they won’t have pre-marital sex and will abstain from behavior inconsistent with Christian values.

Allred says the college will argue that, since it’s a religious entity, it can legally fire James. But she maintains that it’s a business entity, and the termination is illegal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ex-Employee Sues Christian College for Firing Over Pre-Marital Sex" by Diana Bridgett, Christian Post Contributor 2/15/13

James, who is currently six months pregnant, announced her lawsuit during a press conference in California on Thursday stating that she is suing the university due to discrimination on the account of gender, pregnancy, and marital status.

The 29-year-old has enlisted Gloria Allred as her attorney. Allred is known for taking high profile controversial cases involving women's rights. In November 2012, she became the attorney for Natalie Khawan, twin sister to Jill Kelley in the General David Petraeus scandal, during her custody dispute for her son.

This is not the first Christian institution to enforce biblical ethics on employees. In 2008 Shorter University enforced a new policy called the Personal Lifestyle Statement. This new policy forbids pre-marital sex, adultery, and homosexual sex. Although many employees became disgruntled about the new policy, it was found to be completely legal in the state of Georgia.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



From "California Woman Sues Christian College After Being Fired For Fornication" by Heather Clark, Christian News Network 2/16/13

San Diego Christian Christian College requires that all of its employees sign a lifestyle statement committing to live in a manner that is consistent with Biblical values, which includes abstaining from fornication. James admits to signing the statement, but still believes that her termination was unlawful. She hired renowned feminist attorney Gloria Allred to represent her in the courts.

“Teri engaged in activity outside the scope of the handbook and community covenant that does not build up the college’s mission,” Allred acknowledged. “The HR director indicated that she was not being fired because she was pregnant. Instead, she was being terminated because she had premarital sex.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.