Chicago Public Schools Settles Lawsuit, Allows Bible College Students in Teaching Program

The settlement resolves a religious discrimination case brought by Moody Bible Institute against the school district.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:36pm

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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reached a settlement with Moody Bible Institute, a private Christian college, allowing the college's students to participate in CPS's student-teaching program. Moody had sued CPS, alleging the district unlawfully blocked its students from the program due to the college's religious hiring practices.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious institutions and public school systems over issues of religious freedom and nondiscrimination policies. The settlement allows Moody students to gain valuable teaching experience, while CPS can draw from a larger pool of qualified teacher candidates.

The details

Under the settlement, CPS agreed to modify its Student Teacher Internship Agreement to recognize Moody's right to maintain its faith-based hiring practices. This allows Moody to sign the agreement and participate in the student-teaching program. CPS also listed Moody as an approved university partner on its website.

  • In November 2025, Moody Bible Institute sued the Chicago Board of Education.
  • On March 13, 2026, CPS and Moody reached a settlement in the religious discrimination case.

The players

Moody Bible Institute

A private Christian college in Chicago that sued CPS over its exclusion from the district's student-teaching program due to the college's religious hiring practices.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

The public school district in Chicago that settled the lawsuit with Moody Bible Institute, allowing the college's students to participate in CPS's student-teaching program.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)

The Christian legal group that represented Moody Bible Institute in the lawsuit against CPS.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago desperately needs more teachers to fill hundreds of vacancies, and Moody's students will be well-equipped and qualified to help meet that need.”

— Jeremiah Galus, Senior Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom (Press release)

“We are deeply grateful that a resolution has been reached affirming our constitutional right to hire individuals who are aligned with our core mission and biblical values.”

— Dr. Tim Sisk, Provost, Moody Bible Institute (Press release)

What’s next

The settlement allows Moody Bible Institute students to immediately begin participating in the CPS student-teaching program, helping to fill teacher vacancies in the district.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between religious freedom and nondiscrimination policies in public education. The settlement represents a compromise that allows Moody students to gain teaching experience while preserving the college's right to hire based on its religious beliefs.