The conflict escalated when administrators at DiLoreto Elementary & Middle School suspended Arroyo-Castro and took down the religious symbol near her desk following her refusal to remove it. She was subsequently shifted to paid administrative leave and reassigned to a non-teaching position several months later. The Consolidated School District of New Britain maintains its actions were justified, citing additional concerns regarding her statements and conduct involving students.
Key points
First Liberty Institute contends that the First Amendment protects the rights of public s…: First Liberty Institute contends that the First Amendment protects the rights of public school employees to engage in private religious expression.
The school district defended its disciplinary actions by citing a wider pattern of statem…: The school district defended its disciplinary actions by citing a wider pattern of statements and actions that involved students.
Arroyo-Castro was reassigned to a non-teaching role in March 2025 while the legal challen…: Arroyo-Castro was reassigned to a non-teaching role in March 2025 while the legal challenge moved through the federal court system.
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A Connecticut public school teacher who was suspended after refusing to remove a crucifix from her classroom is taking her First Amendment battle to a federal appeals court. Marisol Arroyo-Castro, who had displayed the religious symbol near her desk for nearly a decade, is challenging a school district’s decision to remove it. The case is scheduled for oral arguments on December 7, 2026.
Arroyo-Castro taught middle-school social studies at DiLoreto Elementary & Middle School in New Britain, Connecticut. She said the crucifix was a personal expression of her faith and a source of comfort during her working day. However, school administrators instructed her to take it down, warning that refusing to comply could lead to disciplinary action.
The disagreement escalated in December 2024, when the teacher was reprimanded for insubordination. The school district subsequently removed the crucifix and suspended her for two days without pay. She was later placed on paid administrative leave and reassigned to a non-teaching position in March 2025.
Teacher says crucifix was a personal expression of faith
Arroyo-Castro said the crucifix had been displayed near her…
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