Christian College Student Fired for Discussing Faith at Work

Federal agency investigating after Kentucky coffee shop terminated employee without warning

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A softly lit, cinematic painting of an empty coffee shop counter, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the surface, creating a contemplative and unsettling mood.The termination of a Christian college student for discussing her faith at work raises troubling questions about religious discrimination and the limits of free expression in the workplace.Louisville Today

An investigation is underway after a Kentucky college student was fired by a local coffee shop without notice for answering co-workers' questions about her Christian faith. The student, Paige Rogers, a sophomore at Boyce College, was working her second year at Heine Bros coffee shop when two coworkers asked her intrusive questions about her personal beliefs and sexual decisions. Rogers respectfully shared her Christian views, but was later fired via text message for allegedly violating the company's policies on 'respectful workplace conduct and anti-discrimination.'

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about religious discrimination in the workplace and the ability of employees to freely express their faith without fear of retaliation. The termination of Rogers, who appears to have responded politely to her coworkers' questions, could set a troubling precedent if employers are able to fire workers for discussing their religious beliefs.

The details

According to the report, during Rogers' shift on October 1, two coworkers asked her intrusive questions about her personal sexual decisions and views on homosexuality after she mentioned attending a Christian college. Rogers respectfully shared her Christian beliefs, including that she believes homosexuality is a sin but that 'we are all sinners.' She also discussed her faith journey and beliefs about the afterlife. Less than two weeks later, Rogers received a text message notifying her of her immediate termination, which stated that her 'behavior violated Heine Bros' policies regarding respectful workplace conduct and anti-discrimination.' The coffee shop claimed it had conducted a 'thorough investigation,' but Rogers was never contacted prior to her firing.

  • On October 1, Rogers had a conversation with coworkers about her Christian faith.
  • Less than two weeks later, on October 13, Rogers was fired via text message.

The players

Paige Rogers

A sophomore at Boyce College who was working her second year at Heine Bros coffee shop when she was fired for discussing her Christian faith with coworkers.

Cliff Martin

Senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, the firm representing Paige Rogers.

Albert Mohler

President of Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who commented on the case.

Heine Bros

The Louisville, Kentucky-based coffee shop that fired Paige Rogers.

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What they’re saying

“The idea that an employer can fire an employee for simply voicing a religious belief, after being invited to do so, is chilling. No employee should have to hide their faith in order to keep their job.”

— Cliff Martin, Senior counsel, First Liberty Institute

“How she can be found wrong in answering questions posed by others in the workplace and answering according to her Christian convictions – that's incomprehensible. That's just not right. I think Americans will recognize that.”

— Albert Mohler, President, Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

What’s next

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will investigate the matter for potential violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which protects employees from discrimination based on religion. If no resolution is reached, the EEOC could sue the employer for discrimination.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious freedom and workplace policies, and the need for employers to carefully balance accommodating diverse beliefs while maintaining a respectful work environment. The swift termination of Paige Rogers without any opportunity for her to explain her actions raises concerns about religious discrimination and the ability of employees to freely express their faith at work.