The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a religious discrimination case brought by a Christian fire chief in Stockton, California, who lost his job after attending a religious course.
Ronald Hittle sued the city after he was terminated for taking a training course that was based on faith. He had been told he had to take a leadership training course during his time working for the city between 2005 and 2011.
His supervisor ordered an investigation after Mr. Hittle took a religious program. The review concluded that he had engaged in misconduct by inappropriately using city time at a religious event.
A lower court rejected Mr. Hittle’s case for religious discrimination, dismissing his claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act after applying a framework set in 1973’s McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, which involved a claim of racial discrimination.
The precedent requires judges to consider evidence brought by a complainant when deciding to dismiss a case. For example, the individual claiming discrimination must show evidence that he or she was qualified, but the job remained open and available to another with similar qualifications.
Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, dissented, saying the high court should revisit its precedent on employment discrimination claims and the burden-shifting analysis.
Justice Thomas said the 1973 precedent has caused confusion among lower courts.
“I am not aware of many precedents that have caused more confusion than this one,” he said.
It would have taken four justices to vote in favor of hearing Mr. Hittle’s case.
