Minnesota Supreme Court to hear case of trans librarian fired by Catholic school

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2026

CONTACT
Noah Parrish, Communications Director
[email protected]
651.432.0171

Saint Paul, Minn.—

Today, the Minnesota Supreme Court agreed to hear Reyzl Grace MoChride v. Academy of Holy Angels & Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, a case brought by Gender Justice and co-counsel Wanta Thome PLC. At the heart of the case is a critical question: Will Minnesota allow religious claims to be used as a license to discriminate, or will it uphold the state’s civil rights protections?

“This case is about whether Minnesota’s civil rights laws can be rendered meaningless for thousands of workers simply because their employer claims a religious objection,” said Jess Braverman, Legal Director at Gender Justice. “It sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rights of LGBTQ+ people, people of minority faiths, and anyone who doesn’t conform to an employer’s religious views.”

In November 2025, a Minnesota Court of Appeals panel upheld the lower court’s dismissal of Reyzl’s claims against the Archdiocese, citing the First Amendment. The court’s interpretation effectively gives religious employers sweeping power to fire any employee, even those in non-religious roles, if their identity or life choices conflict with the employer’s stated beliefs.

Reyzl Grace MoChride worked as a librarian at Academy of Holy Angels, a Catholic school in Richfield, Minnesota. She was effectively fired shortly after coming out as transgender. Her lawsuit argues that this termination violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Under the Appeals Court’s decision, even employees in secular positions, like custodians, office staff, nurses, and coaches, could potentially be fired for being openly LGBTQ+, having an abortion, or marrying outside the faith, with no legal recourse.

“No employer should be able to discriminate against employees in non-religious roles using religion as a basis for the discrimination,” said Joni Thome, Attorney at Wanta Thome PLC. “Minnesota’s highest court has the opportunity to ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of religion, gender identity, or background, can live and work with dignity.”

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