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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Potential jurors in a discrimination lawsuit by a former teacher against the Sevier School District may be asked about their religious beliefs and prejudices.
A judge has concluded that jurors may have to be asked their religion and if they have any prejudices regarding members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or if they're willing to give credence to other religious beliefs if they are L-D-S.
Erin Jensen filed a federal court lawsuit claiming district officials refused to continue her employment because she's a woman and not a Mormon.
Jensen taught English and speech at South Sevier High School. The lawsuit says she consistently received high evaluations and never faced any disciplinary actions.
Her lawsuit says the district's school board and superintendent, all who are L-D-S, did not renew her contract and refused to accept her applications for available positions within the district. She said she was never given an explanation.
However, an attorney for the school district, says Jensen lacks credibility and says he plans to prove Jensen's claim of religious bias is baseless.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
