Teacher Claims Threat of Dismissal Over LGBTQ Book

A Christian teacher recently reported feeling threatened with termination after requesting a religious exemption from reading an LGBTQ-themed book to his first-grade class.

Eric Rivera, the teacher in question, stated that the book, which features a story about a girl with two fathers, contradicted his religious beliefs. “I believe that’s not how God designed marriage and family,” he expressed.

Initially, Rivera’s school, KIPP Antioch University Prep, had suggested that an assistant teacher could read the book instead. However, soon after, he was called into the principal’s office and issued a “final warning,” indicating he would lose his job if he didn’t comply with the reading requirement.

Rivera recalled, “I refused to read a book that had two fathers and a daughter on the cover.” The book at the center of the controversy is titled “Stella Brings Her Family” by Miriam B. Schiffer.

He mentioned that prior to this incident, he had no history of disciplinary action and was later reassigned to teach technology before being shifted back to kindergarten.

He admitted to having lingering fears about acting on his religious beliefs, worrying that it might cost him his job.

Currently, the teacher is represented by the First Liberty Institute and has submitted a request for accommodations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to the school. This formal notice was sent on February 17, and the school was given ten days to respond.

The institute raised additional concerns about whether parents were adequately notified regarding the LGBTQ curriculum. However, these claims have not yet been independently verified.

While Rivera is eager to return to teaching first grade, he stands firm in his refusal to read the book.

“We want parents to be able to present the entire curriculum in a way that they can actually understand,” he added.

The charter school operates under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Charter School Commission, which confirmed to WZTV that all public charter schools are required to adhere to the same academic standards as traditional public schools. They are expected to provide flexibility in curriculum while remaining compliant with state laws, including the Prohibited Concepts Act.

The commission further noted that all schools must ensure a reporting mechanism for violations and that personnel matters are managed by the school itself.