Advocates for Faith & Freedom secured a critical victory for Shawna Velasco, a former employee of the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) in Southern California, who faced discrimination and retaliation under the guise of COVID-19 workplace policies. To settle the lawsuit, FUESD agreed to pay $375,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees. This settlement marks a significant win for individual liberty and accountability in the public education system.
In August 2023, Advocates, on behalf of Ms. Velasco, filed a lawsuit against FUESD for unlawful discrimination. Ms. Velasco, who had a religious exemption from FUESD’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, was singled out and forced to wear a mask at all times, while her co-workers were not required to wear masks or face coverings. After sustaining a severe face and nose injury that left her disabled, Ms. Velasco was unable to comply with the masking requirement. Despite submitting numerous medical notes from her doctor, the District refused to offer her any reasonable accommodations and, instead, punished her by placing her on unpaid leave and eventually terminating her employment.
"Freedom is worth defending. No one should be forced to compromise their sincerely held beliefs or be discriminated against for exercising their rights,” stated Ms. Velasco. “I am deeply grateful to Advocates for Faith & Freedom for standing with me through this journey—their unwavering strength, compassion, and expertise made this victory possible. This win is not just for me; it is for every individual who values liberty and chooses faith and conviction over fear when our freedoms are under attack."
"This case serves as a clear warning to public school districts and government entities nationwide: violating the rights of employees under arbitrary rules will not be tolerated,” said Advocates attorney, Julianne Fleischer. “Ms. Velasco’s stand in the face of unjust mandates sends a resounding message—freedom in non-negotiable. This settlement is a victory for justice and common sense."
Advocates for Faith & Freedom remains steadfast in defending individuals against discriminatory mandates and policies in the workplace. This case serves as a reminder that the fight for faith, freedom, and constitutional rights is far from over. By standing firm, Advocates continues to defend religious liberties, ensuring that Americans can live out their faith boldly without fear of persecution or retaliation.
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Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Our mission is to engage in cases that will uphold our religious liberty and America’s heritage and to educate Americans about our fundamental constitutional rights.