Ministerial Exception Thwarts an Ex-Principal’s Race Bias Appeal

A Christian academy’s former assistant principal can’t revive his race bias lawsuit against the Michigan school because his job duties entailed religious functions, putting it beyond the purview of the courts, the Sixth Circuit said Wednesday.

“Abundant record evidence” shows appellant Aaron Pulsifer “performed vital religious duties” for the school, such as helping students grow in their faith and leading prayers, so the ministerial exception blocks his suit, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit said.

Theexception is based on the First Amendment principle that the government shouldn’t interfere in matters of church governance and doctrine, including ...