The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia, in collaboration with the law firm Butler Curwood, has filed a lawsuit against Liberty University, alleging unlawful termination of a transgender employee.
The complaint was lodged on Monday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, in Lynchburg.
The case centers on Ellenor Zinski, a former Information Services Apprentice at the university, who claims she was wrongfully terminated after disclosing her transgender identity.
The ACLU and Butler Curwood argue that Zinski’s dismissal violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
The lawsuit contends that Liberty University’s actions constitute unlawful discrimination based on gender identity. Wyatt Rolla, Senior Transgender Rights Attorney at the ACLU, stated:
“Workplace discrimination against transgender people is against the law.”
According to court records, Zinski, who was hired in February 2023 under a male name, received positive evaluations for her performance.
However, after she notified the university’s human resources on July 5, 2023, of her intention to transition and be recognized as a trans woman, including undergoing hormone replacement therapy, her employment status changed.
On August 8, Zinski was terminated by John Gauger, the head of the IT department, and Steve Foster, the head of human resources.
The termination notice cited the “denying biological and chromosomal sex assigned at birth” as incompatible with Liberty University’s Doctrinal Position, which lists certain acts, including gender transition, as “sinful.”
Zinski subsequently filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on October 27, 2023, and received a Notice of Right to Sue.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and demands several forms of relief, including:
- Compensatory and punitive damages totaling $300,000, plus back-pay damages with pre-judgment interest;
- Equitable relief such as reinstatement or front pay;
- Declaratory relief affirming that Liberty University’s Doctrinal Position violates Title VII;
- Attorney’s fees and costs, along with any additional relief deemed just and appropriate.
The ACLU, a nationwide non-profit organization advocating for civil liberties and human rights, underscores that nearly one in three transgender individuals faces workplace discrimination.
Butler Curwood, specializing in employment law, supports Zinski in challenging the university’s actions as discriminatory and unlawful.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.
