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January 1, Florida Judge Stands Up for Religious Rights, Declares Firing of Teacher Over Pronoun Use Unjust

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2 years ago

October 6, 2023

In a robust defense of religious freedom, a Florida administrative law judge delivered a ruling that sided with a Miami teacher who was dismissed from her job over refusing to use a student’s preferred gender pronouns.

This move shines a spotlight on the ongoing nationwide debate surrounding gender identity and religious beliefs.

Yojary Mundaray, the teacher in question, was at the center of a 2019 classroom dispute where she told a student that her Christian faith dictates the belief that “God makes no mistakes.”

When the student, referred to as “Pat” in the proceedings and born biologically female, requested to be addressed using male pronouns, Mundaray stood her ground, echoing her religious convictions.

In the ensuing exchange, the student responded to Mundaray’s stance with the provocative statement, “God made a mistake.”

Mundaray, in a spirited defense of her faith, retorted, “I’m a Christian, and my God made no mistakes.”

Subsequently, school administrators at the Jose de Diego Middle School were alerted about this confrontation, leading to an investigation and Mundaray’s eventual termination in June 2020.

Yet, judge John Van Laningham saw the matter differently. He vociferously called for Mundaray’s exoneration, remarking, “Advocates of transgenderism can be as doctrinaire as religious zealots these days.”

He continued by emphasizing that Mundaray’s firing was a result of her “adhering to the traditional view that gender is biologically determined,” likening the situation to being “excommunicated, from a job in this instance.”

The judge further elaborated on Mundaray’s position, asserting that she was merely expressing her personal convictions. He noted, “At most, Mundaray expressed her view that God is inerrant, which is about as anodyne a theological statement as one could make.”

Van Laningham didn’t stop there. He astutely pointed out Florida’s new policy led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which necessitates schools to recognize students by their biological birth sex. If this incident had taken place under this new legislation, the judge remarked that Mundaray would be shielded from the repercussions she unjustly endured.

The school had argued that the teacher’s actions led the student to tears and significantly impacted her effectiveness as a school employee, as reported by the News Service of Florida.

With the next steps ahead, the case is set to be concluded by the Education Practices Commission. As for Mundaray, she has yet to comment publicly on the judge’s ruling.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

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Wyatt Porter

Wyatt Porter is a seasoned writer and constitutional scholar who brings a rugged authenticity and deep-seated patriotism to his work. Born and raised in small-town America, Wyatt grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work and the pride that comes from it. As a conservative voice, he writes with the insight of a historian and the grit of a lifelong laborer, blending logic with a sharp wit. Wyatt’s work captures the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans, offering readers a fresh perspective grounded in traditional values, individual freedom, and an unwavering love for his country.