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Teacher Fights Termination Over Same-Sex Marriage Book

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Eric Rivera, a KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary teacher in Nashville, faced termination threats after refusing to read a same-sex marriage-themed book to his class.
Rivera sought a religious accommodation but was reassigned.
First Liberty Institute contends KIPP violated Rivera's rights under the First Amendment and Title VII.
It also demands KIPP review parental notification laws for the books and remove the Final Warning letter.

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Story summary

Eric Rivera, a KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary teacher in Nashville, faced termination threats after refusing to read a same-sex marriage-themed book to his class.
Rivera sought a religious accommodation but was reassigned.
First Liberty Institute contends KIPP violated Rivera's rights under the First Amendment and Title VII.
It also demands KIPP review parental notification laws for the books and remove the Final Warning letter.