Michigan Hospital Settles Religious Accommodation Lawsuit

A Michigan hospital has reached a $410,000 settlement in a lawsuit involving a former physician assistant. Valerie Kloosterman claims she was dismissed from University of Michigan Health-West for not adhering to workplace policies concerning transgender patients due to her religious beliefs.

Kloosterman stated, “All I wanted to do was provide the best care possible to my patients without being forced to violate my Christian beliefs.” This statement was shared publicly.

First Liberty Institute, representing Kloosterman, emphasized her history of favorable performance evaluations prior to her objections to mandatory gender identity training. Kloosterman was terminated three weeks after requesting a religious accommodation to exempt her from training that contradicted her beliefs.

According to the lawsuit, during a meeting with hospital officials, they criticized her religious views, calling her “evil” and a “liar” and asserting she couldn’t allow her Christian beliefs to influence her workplace conduct. They also accused her of contributing to a higher risk of suicide among individuals with gender dysphoria.

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The settlement requires the hospital to create a policy ensuring legal compliance with religious accommodations. This involves informing and training employees and granting accommodations without retribution. It also includes paying the settlement amount to Kloosterman and her legal team.

Kloosterman commented, “This new policy ensures that providers of faith and employees at UMHW will receive religious accommodations so they can provide excellent care consistent with their medical judgment, because all patients are created in the image of God.”

Kayla Toney, a counsel at First Liberty, stated, “Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against and punishing employees for their faith. Valerie is an exceptional physician assistant who cares for her patients. Employers cannot drive out people like Valerie just because of their sincere religious beliefs.”

University of Michigan Health-West has been contacted for further comments.

Rachel del Guidice reports on culture for Fox News, focusing on the intersection of politics, faith, family, and American culture.