According to First Liberty Institute, Rivera had been told he must read a book involving a same-sex couple to his first-grade students or be terminated. This was after Rivera had requested religious accommodation, one that the assistant principal agreed to with Rivera.
Rivera spoke with AFN, saying that everything was fine at first.
"But then the following day, the principal brought me into her office, and she gave me a final warning, a written warning. In front of me, she said that I had to follow the curriculum with fidelity, and if I don't, that would lead to worse consequences and even termination," said Rivera.
He asked what would happen if he did not sign the warning.
“She said that, if you don't sign it, we would ask you to resign. So, fearful for my loss of job, I asked for time to consider it. She gave me the day off, and that led to me reaching out to church members," says Rivera.
The church members recommended Rivera seek legal counsel. That led to him getting in touch with First Liberty Institute, which sent the school a letter notifying them that Rivera was entitled to accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
According to a press release, in addition to granting Rivera an accommodation and clearing Rivera's record, the school also agreed to permit all teachers to ask another employee to read materials objectionable to their faith.
Cliff Martin, attorney at First Liberty Institute, also spoke with AFN.
"We are happy to help out when teachers need assistance with Title VII requests for accommodations," says Martin. "Eric was very brave to step up, and we'd like to support any teachers doing the same."
While no longer teaching first grade, Rivera is now serving in a kindergarten role.
"I'm very happy that First Liberty highlighted that Title VII accommodation and was able to fight for me and send out the demand letter," states Rivera. "I'm excited for teachers all over the nation to use Title VII in their favor."
