Ohio Civil Rights Commission v. Dayton Christian Schools, Inc.
United States Supreme Court
477 U.S. 619 (1986)
Facts
Linda Hoskinson was employed as a teacher at Dayton Christian Schools, Inc. (DCS) (plaintiff). Hoskinson informed her boss that she was pregnant, resulting in a notification that her employment contract would not be renewed. Hoskinson hired a lawyer who sent DCS a letter informing them that a lawsuit based on sex discrimination would be filed if she was not rehired. All employees of DCS had signed a contract promising to resolve disputes internally in accordance with the “Biblical chain of command.” DCS terminated her immediately, citing her decision to threaten litigation before going through an internal process with DCS. Hoskinson filed a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (the Commission) (defendant), which began investigating DCS. DCS filed suit against the Commission in federal district court, claiming that any investigation over the termination would be a violation of DCS’s religious-freedom rights under the First Amendment. The district court refused to enjoin the Commission. The circuit court reversed, holding that DCS’s religious freedom was being burdened. The Commission appealed to the Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, J.)
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