Christian Physician Assistant Fights for Justice After Losing Job Over Transgender Policy Objections

A Christian physician assistant has taken legal action against her former employer, claiming wrongful termination due to her religious beliefs regarding transgender policies. This case highlights the ongoing debate over religious freedom and LGBTQ rights in the workplace.

Valerie Kloosterman, a dedicated healthcare professional with 17 years of experience at Metro Health Caledonia, a rural clinic affiliated with University of Michigan Health-West (UMHW), lost her job in August 2021. Kloosterman asserts that her firing was a direct result of her refusal to comply with the clinic’s transgender-affirming policies, which would have required her to use patients’ chosen pronouns and refer them for gender-affirming surgeries and medications.

Legal Action Against University of Michigan Health-West

Kloosterman is represented by First Liberty Institute and Clement & Murphy, PLLC, who filed the lawsuit on her behalf. The legal complaint accuses UMHW of violating Kloosterman’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, including her rights to free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and equal protection under the law. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that her termination breached Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Michigan-based attorneys James Wieranga and David J. Williams assist Kloosterman in her fight against what she describes as discriminatory practices. After enduring protracted legal delays, her team finally presented their arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on February 6.

Forced Compliance and Religious Exemption Requests

Prior to her termination, Kloosterman participated in a mandatory diversity training module. During this training, she felt compelled to affirm concepts regarding sexual orientation and gender identity that conflicted with her Christian convictions. Kloosterman expressed that she struggled to respond authentically to questions asserting that gender is fluid.

She explained, “I couldn’t submit my answers without denying my beliefs. It was a contradiction to my faith, yet I faced the threat of dismissal if I didn’t complete the training.”

Conflict Over Religious Beliefs

Throughout her long career, Kloosterman has treated LGBT patients with respect and compassion, insisting that she never faced a situation where her religious beliefs interfered with providing care. However, when she sought a religious accommodation through her human resources department, tensions rose.

During her final meeting with UMHW management, Kloosterman reported feeling attacked and belittled for her beliefs. She remembered, “The meeting turned hostile. I was accused of being a liar for my statements regarding my care for LGBT patients, and I was called ‘evil’ for my views about gender-changing surgeries.”

According to the lawsuit, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) coordinator also disparaged her faith, asserting that her refusal to affirm her patients’ chosen identities could lead to their harm.

Surprising Job Termination

After these meetings, Kloosterman was unexpectedly called into the office about a month later and informed of her termination. She recounted, “I was in shock. I was not allowed to close out my patient charts, say goodbye to my patients, or retrieve my personal belongings.”

Kloosterman expressed anguish over how her abrupt departure would affect the patients with whom she had built meaningful relationships over the years. She lamented, “I promised many of them that I would follow up on their concerns, and then I found myself unable to fulfill that promise due to my sudden dismissal.”

Faith Tested Yet Strengthened

The termination has led Kloosterman to reflect deeply on her faith and the lessons it imparts. She enjoys open discussions with her sons about trusting in God’s plan during arduous challenges. Kloosterman noted, “This situation transcends my personal battle; it’s about glorifying God in all circumstances. It requires faithfulness, honesty, and steadfastness, even in the face of losing my job.”

Throughout her tenure, Kloosterman maintained an exemplary track record, according to the lawsuit. It describes her as a dedicated employee who had never faced disciplinary action and enjoyed a stellar reputation among her patients.

Seeking Justice and Representation

After filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Kloosterman’s legal representatives pursued action against UMHW for allegedly ignoring their requests to reinstate her. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, equitable relief, and her reinstatement with a reasonable accommodation concerning her religious beliefs about transgender policies.

As of now, UMHW has not publicly commented on the ongoing legal proceedings. When previously approached, representatives stated, “University of Michigan Health-West is dedicated to providing appropriate medical care for all patients while respecting its employees’ religious beliefs. We believe Ms. Kloosterman’s claims lack merit.”

Healthcare and Diversity Initiatives

UMHW has positioned itself as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The health system boasts accolades for its efforts to improve healthcare equality for LGBTQ patients and promotes its values prominently on its website.

National Implications

This case echoes a broader national conversation concerning the intersection of religious rights and LGBTQ rights in healthcare, which has intensified significantly in recent years. The tensions illustrate the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when their religious beliefs conflict with workplace policies that prioritize inclusivity for all patients.

As Kloosterman navigates through these unprecedented times, she remains hopeful that her journey will lead to meaningful discussions and a resolution that respects both faith and the rights of individuals seeking medical care in a diverse society.

This reporting is based on various sources, including statements from lawyers involved and observations made during the court proceedings.