Wisconsin Christian school reserves right to expel students for 'outwardly sinful lifestyles,' atheist group files complaint

Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a complaint against St. John's Lutheran School in Wisconsin for allegedly discriminating against transgender students.

"St. John's Lutheran School has implemented policies that discriminate against students on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity," the complaint, filed with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction by FFRF's Patrick Elliot, reads. "As these students are unable to attend the school, they are unable to participate in free and reduced price lunch programs."

According to the complaint, the school sent a letter in February, signed by principal Craig Breitkreutz, informing parents about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The school is requesting for birth certificates in order for a student to enrol.

"If we cannot legally refuse students who are struggling with homosexuality or gender identification, we must maintain our right to hold the truths of God's Word," the letter reads.

The letter cites two ways for them to do this. First is the updated admissions policy, which now includes a handbook agreement and a religious orientation for students. The second is the revised disciplinary policy that now more specifically states "which behaviors are not acceptable and can lead to dismissal."

"In other words, although we do not have the right to refuse admittance to people choosing an outwardly sinful lifestyle, we do maintain the right to discipline and dismiss students for these choices," the letter says.

The St. John's Lutheran Church and School told The Christian Post via email that "the complaint is without merit." Also, they are "confident that the government will recognize, as it always has, the church's constitutional right to teach and practice our beliefs without interference from the government."

The school receives federal funding for some student aid programs, but the email says that the federal funds they get "are designed to help children and families, not fund and operate our school."

Denying that the letter is an expression of "fear, hatred, or bigotry," the school said that it is an expression of their convictions as Christians and they "look to God and His Word to define what is right and wrong, moral and immoral."