Physician Assistant Fired for Faith Has Day in Court, Asks Sixth Circuit to Protect Her Religious Freedom

Attorneys defend Valerie Kloosterman’s right to exercise her faith in the workplace following unlawful termination from Michigan hospital.

Cincinnati, OH— Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral argument in the case of Valerie Kloosterman, a longtime physician assistant who was fired from her job due to her religious beliefs. Kloosterman is seeking to be reinstated at Michigan Heath-West with a religious accommodation for issues surrounding gender affirming care. She is represented by First Liberty Institute and the law firm Clement & Murphy, PLLC.

“It is intolerant and unconstitutional for employers to demand that medical professionals like Valerie abandon their religious beliefs in order to remain employed,” remarked Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “The University of Michigan Health-West system is sending a message that religious health care workers are not welcome and need not apply. We hope Michigan Health is held accountable for its discrimination.”

Kevin Wynosky, Associate at Clement & Murphy, PLLC, stated, “Valerie loves her community and her job. She is devastated that the University of Michigan health system derided her beliefs and demanded that she choose between her faith and providing health care.”

Valerie Kloosterman worked as a physician assistant at Michigan Health-West for 17 years, serving her community and helping others. She regularly received exemplary reviews, with supervisors calling her “professional,” “very ethical,” and a “pleasure to work with.”  She treated all her patients respectfully, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, or declared gender. But when Valerie told HR her religious beliefs prohibited her from affirming statements about transgender medical procedures, using transgender pronouns, or referring patients for transgender surgeries, she was terminated by Michigan Health-West.

During follow-up meetings, a Michigan Health diversity representative called Valerie “evil,” blamed her for gender dysphoria-related suicides, and told her she could not take the Bible or her religious beliefs to work with her. Valerie cannot in good conscience personally administer or perform experimental procedures that violate her religious beliefs or her medical judgment. As a result, on August 24, 2021, Valerie lost her job in order to keep her faith.

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About First Liberty Institute: First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.