(First Liberty Institute/Fox & Friends First)
As students return to classrooms across New Britain, Connecticut, one teacher remains on the sidelines, caught in a legal and religious dispute that has left her unable to return to the profession she cherishes.
Marisol Arroyo-Castro, a long-time teacher and practicing Catholic, is currently suspended from her position after refusing to remove a crucifix displayed near her desk. Speaking to Fox News, Arroyo-Castro expressed the emotional toll the situation has taken on her.
“I dream about my teaching experience almost every day,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I really love teaching now that I cannot go back, and the reason that I cannot go back is just so sad.”
Her case has drawn national attention and sparked debate over religious expression in public schools. Arroyo-Castro’s legal counsel, including the nonprofit First Liberty Institute and the law firm WilmerHale, assert that the Consolidated School District of New Britain violated her constitutional rights when it suspended her in December for refusing to remove or conceal the crucifix.
According to her attorneys, the district not only suspended Arroyo-Castro but also allegedly pressured her to resign or retire early, presenting her with an agreement that would prevent her from taking legal action against the district. The attorneys further claim that she was “threatened with termination” unless she agreed to keep the crucifix hidden.
Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, described the district’s approach as discriminatory and unacceptable. “It’s pretty clear to me that the school district is not interested in the inclusion of people like Marisol,” Russell said during an appearance on Fox & Friends First. “They said, ‘you can have it up, but it must be hidden…’ and we felt like that was just completely unacceptable.”
She continued, “We’re in America, and a teacher is being asked to hide her crucifix and, if not, she’s being punished for it. That’s completely unacceptable.”
Russell confirmed that First Liberty intends to maintain legal pressure on the district and is open to federal involvement. “We know our president is a champion of religious liberty,” she said. “Hopefully, the decision that we’re waiting for from the District Court of Connecticut is favorable, but, no matter what, we’re just going to keep the pressure on the district.”
In response to the ongoing controversy, the Consolidated School District of New Britain released a statement to Fox News emphasizing its commitment to fairness and legal compliance. “We have continued to operate in good faith and both [Marisol Arroyo-Castro] and her attorneys have declined all of the options put before her. We will continue to follow legal guidance throughout this process and remain committed to upholding both the law and the values of inclusion, neutrality, and respect for all.”
Despite the district’s statement, Arroyo-Castro remains concerned about her future. “I believe wholeheartedly that I can lose my job for this,” she said. “But it’s unbelievable to lose it because of my faith, because I always had a cross. I never thought that the cross was a problem for anyone.”
The case continues to unfold as both sides await further legal developments. For Arroyo-Castro, the issue is not just about employment—it’s about religious freedom and the right to express her beliefs in the workplace without fear of punishment.
