An Salem City School District teacher has reached a settlement after being suspended for observing a religious holiday tied to her Christian faith.
Shawnae Carlisle, a science teacher in Salem and member of The Church of God, a Worldwide Association, had taken approved leave for years to observe biblical holy days such as the Feast of Tabernacles.
That changed in 2025 when the district denied her unpaid leave request. Carlisle said she still took the time off, secured substitute coverage, and was then suspended without pay for five days. She said her conviction came from Scripture and Christ’s example, adding she felt “compelled to obey God rather than man.”
Following legal action, the district agreed last month to accommodate her future religious observances, allowing unpaid leave for holy days and ending pressure to choose between her faith and her job.
Image: firstliberty
