Story perspectives

USDA Staff Sue Secretary Over Easter “Disciple” Email

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

USDA employees sued USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins over Easter email likening them to Christ’s disciples.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer sent religious messages while Chavez-DeRemer launched prayer services last year.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued the USDA and Department of Defense for FOIA documents about prayer services.
Michigan State University law professor Frank Ravitch said the email violates the First Amendment.

History

Historical Context

In 1962 the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 opinion by Justice Hugo Black, struck down New York’s state-led school prayer as violating the Establishment Clause. The decision set a lasting rule against government-sponsored religious expression in public schools. Today Americans United sues the USDA and Defense Department, claiming officials like Secretary Brooke Rollins and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth breach Engel.

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Story summary

USDA employees sued USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins over Easter email likening them to Christ’s disciples.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer sent religious messages while Chavez-DeRemer launched prayer services last year.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued the USDA and Department of Defense for FOIA documents about prayer services.
Michigan State University law professor Frank Ravitch said the email violates the First Amendment.

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