Phillipsburg school officials discriminated against a substitute teacher who provided a Bible to a student who expressed curiosity about a verse the teacher had quoted, the federal agency that guards against workplace discrimination found.<\/p>\n
In its decision, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rejected Phillipsburg School District’s claim that the teacher, Walt Tutka of Belvidere, was fired for insubordination after he refused to meet with the school board.<\/p>\n
The commission noted that the school district failed to provide documents in support of its claim Tutka’s termination was based on insubordination. It also found that the reason for the scheduled meeting was disciplinary action for the distribution of religious material after Tutka’s termination had been recommended to the school board, the commission’s decision says.<\/p>\n