The ongoing national debate over transgender rights has taken a deeply personal turn in Virginia, where a transgender woman is suing Liberty University for allegedly firing her after she disclosed her gender identity. Ellenor Zinski, a former employee at the evangelical Christian institution’s Information Technology help desk, claims that the university terminated her solely because she is transgender, in violation of Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Virginia and the Richmond-based law firm Butler Curwood filed the lawsuit in July, seeking $300,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. It also requests a legal declaration that Liberty University’s actions violated federal anti-discrimination laws. The case not only highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the workplace but also underscores the tension between religious freedom and civil rights protections.
A Journey of Faith and Identity
Ellenor Zinski, 30, grew up in a conservative Christian household and attended a Christian high school. She admired Liberty University for its strong faith-based community and saw it as a place where she could both practice her religion and excel professionally. When she accepted the IT position in February 2023, she was already in the early stages of her gender transition, having started hormone therapy four months prior.
“I was really hoping they would work with me, that I could be myself,” Zinski said in an interview. “I was hoping I could advocate for queer people. We need Jesus just as much as anyone else does.”
In July 2023, after completing a 90-day probationary period and receiving a positive performance review, Zinski decided to formally disclose her transition to her employer. In a heartfelt letter, she emphasized that her Christian faith had been “a guiding force throughout this process” and expressed hope for “support and understanding” as she navigated her journey.
“The public discourse surrounding the transgender community has imbued my journey with a certain degree of trepidation,” she wrote. “However, I am hopeful that with your support and understanding, we can navigate this process with sensitivity and respect for all parties involved.”
The Termination and Its Aftermath
Despite her hopes for acceptance, Zinski received no immediate response to her letter. Weeks of silence led to mounting anxiety. After four weeks, she reached out to inquire about her status. She was then summoned to a meeting with Liberty University’s human resources officials, where she was informed of her termination. A lengthy email was read aloud, stating that “active and unrepentant patterns of sin, including sinful behaviors regarding sexual expression and/or gender expression, would be incompatible with our Christian workplace.”
Reflecting on the meeting, Zinski described feeling a mix of disappointment and resignation. “My biggest fear if I ever went back is knowing there are people who do not want me there at all,” she said. “I would not feel comfortable enough to work there.”
Legal Battle Lines Drawn
Liberty University’s defense is rooted in its religious convictions. Represented by Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal organization, the university filed a motion earlier this month seeking dismissal of the lawsuit. They argue that the Civil Rights Act explicitly permits religious educational institutions to make employment decisions consistent with their religious doctrine. Liberty’s policies identify “self-identification with a different gender” as a sin.
Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, suggested that Zinski had orchestrated the situation to challenge the university’s beliefs. “All of this was done to set Liberty up and attempt to make an example out of the university for standing its ground,” he contended.
Daniel Schmid, a Liberty Counsel attorney, hinted at invoking the “ministerial exception,” a legal doctrine that gives religious institutions protection against anti-discrimination lawsuits for roles considered ministerial. “Liberty considers them to be ministers of the Gospel,” Schmid said, referring even to IT staff and janitors. “The First Amendment protects their right to make that call.”
The ACLU of Virginia vehemently disputes the university’s claims. Wyatt Rolla, the organization’s senior transgender rights attorney, called the allegations of a setup unfounded. “It’s strange to disparage Ellenor over what turned out to be real concern with employment discrimination,” Rolla said. “Her intention was to be a highly successful employee for Liberty who continued to meet all of her obligations.”
After her termination, Zinski found solace and support within the community. She secured a similar IT help-desk position at the University of Lynchburg, a private institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), known for its inclusive and open spiritual life.
“A lot of people at work have my back,” she shared. Beyond her professional life, Zinski became an active member of Lynchburg’s Trinity Episcopal Church. It was there that she felt fully accepted and affirmed in both her faith and identity. “God made me this way,” she said confidently. “Christianity has been so weaponized against the LGBTQ community, but there doesn’t need to be a conflict: you can be transgender and Christian. I am.”
The Broader Context
Zinski’s case comes at a time when transgender rights are a focal point of national discourse. The intersection of religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws is a contentious legal battleground. Religious institutions often cite the First Amendment and specific exemptions in civil rights laws to defend policies that critics argue are discriminatory.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII.
However, religious organizations can claim exemptions under certain circumstances. The ministerial exception, for example, allows religious institutions to make employment decisions about employees who perform essential religious duties without interference from the government.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of Zinski’s case could have significant implications for how religious exemptions are applied in cases involving transgender individuals and other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Looking Ahead
The next steps in the legal process involve the ACLU of Virginia filing a brief opposing Liberty Counsel’s motion to dismiss. A hearing on the motion may occur by the end of the year, but appeals could prolong the case, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.
For Zinski, the lawsuit is about more than personal restitution; it’s about standing up against what she perceives as unjust discrimination. “No one should be fired because of who they are,” said Rolla of the ACLU. “But Liberty University made it clear that’s exactly why it fired Ellenor.”
While she has no desire to return to Liberty University under its current leadership, Zinski remains hopeful for change. “I was hoping I could advocate for queer people,” she said. “We need Jesus just as much as anyone else does.”
Zinski’s story resonates with many transgender individuals who navigate the complexities of identity, faith, and acceptance. Her experience underscores the challenges faced by those who seek to reconcile their authentic selves with communities that may not fully embrace them.
In the face of adversity, Zinski has found strength in her faith and the support of her new community. Her journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience and the ongoing fight for equal rights and recognition.
The Bottom Line
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom and the rights of transgender individuals in the workplace. The outcome may set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
For allies, friends, and family members of transgender individuals, stories like Zinski’s serve as a reminder of the importance of support, understanding, and advocacy. In a society grappling with questions of inclusion and equality, empathy remains a crucial component in bridging divides.
Zinski’s journey is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of authenticity. Her story invites reflection on how communities—faith-based or otherwise—can evolve to embrace diversity while honoring deeply held beliefs.
