According to his counsel, a Wisconsin teacher has reached a settlement with his former employer after claiming he lost his job because he had allegedly refused to use transgender individuals ‘ names and pronouns when referring to them.
According to a federal lawsuit filed on July 8, 2024, Jordan Cernek taught English and language artists in the Argyle School District from August 2021 to August 2023.
On March 10, McClatchy News reached out to the Argyle School District for reply, but they did not hear back right away.
Team members were informed that the city was putting in place a new legislation that required teachers to use “different titles and pronouns for any students who requested them” at a meeting in August 2022, according to the lawsuit.
According to the legal problem, Cernek claimed that because of his religious views, he disagreed with the plan.
According to the lawsuit, Cernek was informed at the close of the first week of class that two transgender students in his class may be changing their names.
He told a district established that he could not use transgender individuals ‘ new names and pronouns because it would “violate his Christian ideas” during the second week of school, according to the complaint.
According to the lawsuit, he and the district agreed to him and talk to individuals without a name for a while. According to the complaint, he was then informed that this was prohibited and that he had to use the kids ‘ names.
According to the lawsuit, Cernek continued to “act in accordance with the accommodations he agreed to” with the city and “did never recommend to students by title when interacting with them.” Eventually, he “asked one of the trans students in his class about whether calling the pupil by the person’s last name would be a great compromise for them both, and the transgender student agreed.”
However, a student’s family informed Cernek that the “last title hotel” was insufficient and that he was told not to talk about the situation with the student once more.
According to the lawsuit, Cernek learned in March 2023 that his city deal was not authorized to expire. He was informed that” the School Board has been advised that Mr. Cernek’s ] performance has been less ( than ) satisfactory” on April 13th, 2023, according to the lawsuit.
Cernek explained to the board at a May school board meeting that” ( b ) efore ( he is ) a teacher, but ( he is ) an ambassador of the true King, Jesus Christ,” according to the complaint.
The committee decided not to renew his deal.
Superintendent Randy Refsland confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the district settled with Cernek for$ 20,000, according to court records, and the case was dismissed in February.
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The Bradenton Herald, 2025
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