Chicago Public Schools Discriminates Against Moody Bible Institute

Dear Fellow American,

Chicago Public Schools desperately needs qualified teachers. But school officials are choosing to discriminate against Christian student teachers rather than fill those vacancies.

The students at Moody Bible Institute are experiencing this discrimination firsthand.

Moody's students are barred from participating in Chicago Public School's student-teaching program. Not because they lack qualifications. Not because they lack passion for serving students. But because Moody exclusively hires staff who affirm and live out its biblical beliefs.

In other words, Chicago Public Schools is punishing Moody students for attending a college that practices its faith.

This is an attack on religious freedom—one of the foundational freedoms that has shaped our nation since its inception. Religious schools like Moody Bible Institute have the constitutional right to exclusively hire employees who share their faith and uphold their religious mission. Without this right, religious institutions would lose their very identity and purpose.

Moody's mission is clear: proclaim the gospel and equip people to be biblically grounded, practically trained, and to engage the world through gospel-centered living. For that mission to be credible, its faculty and staff must be unified in both belief and practice.

But when Moody requested a simple religious exemption acknowledging its constitutionally protected rights, the district refused.

Instead, officials doubled down—effectively telling Moody students that their faith disqualifies them from serving Chicago's public school children.

Alliance Defending Freedom is representing Moody Bible Institute in a federal lawsuit to challenge this discriminatory exclusion.

Will you sign our Statement of Support for Moody Bible Institute and stand with them in this critical moment?

This isn't an isolated situation. We are watching this pattern repeat nationwide.

In Washington State, Yakima Union Gospel Mission serves thousands of homeless individuals every day—offering food, shelter, and the hope of Christ to locals who desperately need it. Yet the state is threatening the Mission because it only hires those who share its Christian beliefs. Now the Mission is in court seeking to protect its right to hire those who share and live out its faith.

Similarly, in Oregon, Youth 71Five Ministries is asking an appeals court to protect its right to receive public benefits without having to give up its right to employ those who share its faith. Youth 71Five Ministries serves at-risk youth, empowering them with the hope of the Gospel. It depends on a staff that shares its biblical beliefs. But officials stripped the ministry of its public funding for only hiring like-minded individuals who ensure that mission goes forward, violating its constitutional freedoms.

When ministries like Moody, Yakima Union Gospel Mission, and Youth 71Five Ministries stand up in court, they are not only protecting their own freedom. They are defending religious freedom and free expression for every American—Christian or not.

But these battles come with real emotional and personal costs. Leaders and staff can face hostility, intense public scrutiny, and even open threats. Stand alongside thousands of believers who are praying for Moody during these stressful times.

That's why your voice matters so deeply right now.

Please take a moment to sign the Statement of Support today.

Thank you for standing with those who are standing for truth.