Story perspectives

Moody Bible Institute Sues CPS Over Hiring Discrimination

11/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Moody Bible Institute filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools alleging discrimination in its student-teaching program tied to Moody's religious hiring practices.
The suit was brought by Alliance Defending Freedom, which argues CPS's nondiscrimination agreements force Moody to abandon faith-based hiring policies.
Moody contends the exclusion harms students' opportunities, and the suit seeks a ruling that CPS's actions are unconstitutional and damages are awarded.
CPS has not commented on the matter.

History

Historical Context

The 1990 Supreme Court case Employment Division v. Smith ruled that states could deny unemployment benefits to individuals using peyote for religious ceremonies, emphasizing the tension between religious freedom and state laws. This decision led to the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which aimed to protect religious practices, and continues to influence current legal disputes, such as the lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools.

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Story summary

Moody Bible Institute filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools alleging discrimination in its student-teaching program tied to Moody's religious hiring practices.
The suit was brought by Alliance Defending Freedom, which argues CPS's nondiscrimination agreements force Moody to abandon faith-based hiring policies.
Moody contends the exclusion harms students' opportunities, and the suit seeks a ruling that CPS's actions are unconstitutional and damages are awarded.
CPS has not commented on the matter.

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