Minnesota Supreme Court Considers Discrimination Lawsuit by Transgender Catholic School Employee

The Minnesota Supreme Court considered a discrimination lawsuit brought by Reyzl Grace MoChridhe, a transgender woman who was fired from the Academy of Holy Angels, a Catholic high school in Richfield. MoChridhe worked as a librarian for a year before informing administrators of her intention to transition. She was told the school would not rehire her for another year if she did. Her contract was subsequently ended.

MoChridhe filed a lawsuit in 2024 against the Academy of Holy Angels and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, alleging that her termination violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. She argued that her position was secular and did not require adherence to Catholic beliefs. MoChridhe disclosed her Jewish faith before being hired, and she was employed despite this.

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis sought dismissal of the lawsuit, citing religious institution exemptions under Minnesota law. Two lower courts ruled in favor of the Archdiocese, stating that state and federal law prevent courts from reviewing religious employment practices. MoChridhe appealed, bringing the case to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Greta Weissner of the St. Paul nonprofit Gender Justice represents MoChridhe. She emphasized that discrimination protections should still apply, noting that the school hired a secular individual who was not a member of the religion and had not agreed to follow its faith-based principles. Weissner argued that the balance of rights should not be skewed in favor of religious institutions in such cases.

MoChridhe’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages and a civil penalty against the archdiocese and the Academy of Holy Angels. She described the loss of her job as more than a paycheck, stating it meant losing a community she cared about and work that was deeply meaningful. Her students and colleagues valued her presence.

The case highlights the tension between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws, raising questions about the scope of exemptions for religious institutions. As the court deliberates, the outcome could have significant implications for similar cases involving faith-based organizations and employment practices.

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