Overview
- Moody filed the complaint Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, with Alliance Defending Freedom serving as counsel.
- According to the filing, Chicago Public Schools requires partners to follow its non-discrimination policy, which includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, creating a conflict with Moody’s doctrinal standards.
- In July, Moody asked CPS to amend contract language to allow a faith-based exemption, but emails cited in the complaint show the district declined the request.
- The lawsuit alleges violations of the First Amendment and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act and also cites the Fourteenth Amendment, seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys’ fees.
- CPS declined to comment on pending litigation and emphasized student safety and well-being, while ADF and Moody’s president argued the exclusion harms a teacher pipeline with hundreds of vacancies.