**Moody Bible Institute Sues Chicago Board of Education Over Alleged Religious Discrimination**
Moody Bible Institute is suing the Chicago Board of Education for alleged religious discrimination after being barred from the district’s student teaching program. The Christian college claims Chicago Public Schools (CPS) requires it to sign the district’s non-discrimination policy—which conflicts with its doctrinal statement—in order to participate.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in federal court in Chicago, was submitted on Moody’s behalf by Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian law firm and advocacy group.
“Chicago desperately needs more teachers to fill hundreds of vacancies, but public school administrators are putting personal agendas ahead of the needs of families,” attorney Jeremiah Galus said in a statement.
### Non-Discrimination Policy vs. Religious Beliefs
CPS mandates that all contractors and employees comply with its non-discrimination policy, which includes protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex. Currently, CPS hosts more than 1,000 student teachers from over 50 universities.
Moody Bible Institute, a River North-based college enrolling roughly 2,300 students, requires faculty, students, and staff to adhere to its religious beliefs. This includes a doctrinal statement that opposes same-sex marriage and recognizes only two genders.
According to the filing, CPS’ student teacher and vendor agreements contain non-discrimination language that would prevent Moody from “employing only those who share its religious beliefs and agree to comply with its standards of Christian conduct.”
### Approval and Program Details
Moody’s elementary education program was approved by the state last year, allowing its graduates to teach in both Illinois public and private schools.
Seniors in this program complete a full semester of student teaching—a 13-week, full-time placement—in their final semester.
### Request for Exemption Denied
In July, Moody requested that CPS amend the contract language to grant an exemption for its faith-based status. However, the district refused in subsequent email exchanges.
While CPS staff acknowledged that “certain exemptions may exist for religious institutions in their own practices,” Moody and its students were told they cannot participate because they are “unable to align” with the district’s non-discrimination policy, according to the complaint.
### Constitutional Claims
Moody alleges this refusal violates its First Amendment rights, infringing on its freedom of religion and expression. The college also argues that CPS’s stance conflicts with the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal treatment under the law regardless of religious beliefs.
A CPS spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing litigation but emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
The Chicago Teachers Union did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
### Legal Relief Sought
Moody’s filing seeks injunctive relief to enable participation in the student teaching program, along with compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees.
In a statement to the Tribune, Moody President Mark Jobe said the school “should not be forced to choose between our faith and helping students advance in their educational opportunities.”
“We are grateful for the work of Alliance Defending Freedom as we are put into the position of having to defend our constitutional right to hire like-minded staff and faculty who live out our biblical beliefs and mission,” Jobe added.
### Broader Context
Alliance Defending Freedom is a prominent legal advocate in national culture war cases and has been involved in challenges concerning same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights, and abortion. Several of their cases have reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Moody’s complaint surfaces amid ongoing debates over religious activities in public schools. Recently, the White House has expressed support for some religious freedoms, including the right to pray in schools.
This lawsuit is the second high-profile legal challenge involving CPS programs in recent months. In April, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into CPS’s Black Student Success Plan following a complaint from Parents Defending Education, a group known for scrutinizing race-based policies. CPS officials have defended the initiative but face the loss of millions in federal funding.
### Past Controversies
Moody’s policies have previously come under scrutiny. In 2021, a sex discrimination lawsuit alleged that the school created a hostile environment for LGBTQ students.
Additionally, in 2018, an instructor filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired after challenging Moody’s doctrinal stance that women should not serve in ministerial roles.
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This ongoing legal battle highlights the complex intersection of religious freedom, educational policy, and anti-discrimination measures within public school systems.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/07/moody-bible-institute-sues-cps/
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