A Catholic teacher in Connecticut faced suspension and potential termination for refusing to remove a crucifix displayed near her desk, sparking a debate about religious expression in public schools. The teacher, Marisol Arroyo-Castro, who works at DiLoreto Elementary & Middle School, had displayed the small crucifix for a decade alongside other personal items. Her legal representatives, First Liberty Institute and WilmerHale, sent a letter to the Consolidated School District of New Britain alleging a violation of Arroyo-Castro's constitutional rights.

The letter, initially reported by Fox News Digital, details how the school's vice principal requested the crucifix's removal in December. After Arroyo-Castro didn't comply, subsequent meetings with school officials and a union representative resulted in a suggested compromise: hanging the cross in a less visible location. However, the school then instructed her to place it under her desk, upsetting the teacher.

Following her refusal to hide the crucifix, Arroyo-Castro was suspended without pay for two days for insubordination and threatened with a further five-day suspension. She was then placed on paid administrative leave and allegedly pressured to resign, retire early, or agree not to sue the district. First Liberty argues that these actions infringe upon Arroyo-Castro's First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as state religious freedom and workplace discrimination protections.

The school district, however, disputes these claims, asserting that the crucifix's prominent display violated federal and state laws regarding religious neutrality in public schools. They emphasized the crucifix's visibility to all students as an infringement on their religious freedom. Superintendent Dr. Tony Gasper stated the district's commitment to a respectful learning environment for all and their refusal to allow teachers to impose personal beliefs. The district maintains that Arroyo-Castro is on paid leave while they work towards a resolution.

Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty, countered that the school district's actions are outdated in light of Supreme Court precedents protecting teachers' religious expression. She called for the district to retract its demands.