Liberty University Faces Lawsuit Over Transgender Firing

Former employee alleges discrimination after being terminated for her gender identity.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:40pm

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against Liberty University, a private Christian college in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on behalf of a former employee who was allegedly fired for being transgender. The employee, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, claims she was wrongfully terminated due to her gender identity.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom, particularly at private institutions like Liberty University that have strict policies regarding gender and sexuality. The lawsuit could set a precedent for how far religious colleges and universities can go in enforcing their beliefs when it comes to employment decisions.

The details

According to the ACLU, the former Liberty University employee was fired after disclosing that she identified as transgender. The university reportedly has a policy prohibiting "homosexual conduct" and requires all employees to agree to a "Statement of Beliefs" that includes traditional Christian views on gender and sexuality.

  • The ACLU filed the lawsuit against Liberty University on April 1, 2026.

The players

Liberty University

A private Christian college located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that has strict policies regarding gender and sexuality for its employees.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

A non-profit organization that works to defend civil rights and liberties, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals, and has filed the lawsuit against Liberty University on behalf of the former employee.

Former Liberty University Employee

An individual who was allegedly fired from their position at Liberty University for being transgender, and whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow religious institutions to use their beliefs as a license to discriminate against LGBTQ+ employees.”

— James Esseks, Director of the ACLU's LGBTQ & HIV Project

What’s next

The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the court system, with Liberty University likely defending its policies on religious freedom grounds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom, and could have significant implications for how private religious colleges and universities handle employment decisions related to gender identity and sexual orientation.