Employee FIRED For Refusing To Attend LGBTQ Training LOSES In Court

Raymond Zdunski, employed at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES for seven years, claimed that his termination was "unlawful religious discrimination" and subsequently sued the organization for reinstatement, back pay, and $10 million in damages.

Zdunski argued that the training and makeup session was intended to change his religious beliefs about gender and sexuality and that attending the training would have caused him to violate his religious teachings. BOCES denied his request for religious accommodation, leading to his dismissal for refusing to attend the training.

 WATCH: THE AG'S RAN ON "GETTING" TRUMP

March 16, 2023

District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford dismissed Zdunski's lawsuit in 2022, stating that his claims were unsupported and agreeing with BOCES that he was fired for refusing to attend the training, which was intended to prevent discrimination in the workplace. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this decision, stating that Zdunski had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims.

 WATCH: THE TIMING OF TRUMP'S TRIAL, WHY NOW?

In response, Zdunski expressed his belief that the country is against the Christian way of life, adding that people are not allowed to practice their way of life while anyone else can. Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES released a statement to Fox News Digital, stating that Zdunski was fired for insubordination and that the organization is committed to providing a safe environment free from unlawful discrimination.

 SECURITY IN OVERDRIVE: HOME DEPOT'S UNCONVENTIONAL RESPONSE TO NEW YORK'S CRIME CRISIS

Zdunski's lawyer, Kristina S. Heuser, maintained that her client's rights were violated "for no other reason than his refusal to be indoctrinated with anti-biblical teaching." Heuser stated that Zdunski sought a religious accommodation to avoid a training program designed to teach cultural sensitivity towards transgender persons, which was not related to the requirements of his job.

 MASTER OF SABOTAGE: BIDEN'S IRONCLAD PROMISE TO SAFEGUARD AMERICAN STEEL THREATENED BY HIS LATEST MOVE

The push towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in U.S. workplaces has increased recently. However, a study by Revelio Labs revealed that companies are cutting DEI jobs while workers leave these fields at a higher rate than non-DEI positions. Last year, companies that had layoffs cut DEI positions at a 33% rate versus a 21% cut for other roles.

 WHO'S UP NEXT? BALTIMORE MAYOR NEXT TO PLAY IDENTITY POLITICS...

The case of Raymond Zdunski highlights the ongoing conflict between religious beliefs and diversity and inclusion initiatives in U.S. workplaces. While the court upheld the decision to terminate Zdunski's employment, his lawyer has announced plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his case. The Revelio Labs study also raises concerns about the impact of layoffs on DEI positions, indicating a need for companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts.