An independent investigation has detailed allegations against a New Britain middle school teacher, Marisol Arroyo Castro, who was placed on administrative leave in December 2024. The report addresses concerns from students and staff regarding the use of religious language and symbols in her classroom at the DiLoreto Magnet School.
Key Takeaways
- Marisol Arroyo Castro, a teacher at DiLoreto Magnet School, has been on leave since December 2024.
- An independent report found her actions violated the state's code of professional responsibility for teachers.
- Students reported the teacher used phrases like "go find God" during reprimands.
- Castro has filed a federal lawsuit against the district, claiming a violation of her First Amendment rights.
- She is currently working in an administrative role away from students pending the lawsuit's outcome.
Investigation Launched Over Classroom Conduct
Marisol Arroyo Castro, a teacher at the DiLoreto Magnet School, has not been in her classroom since late 2024. The Consolidated School District of New Britain initiated an investigation after receiving complaints about a crucifix displayed in her classroom and her alleged use of religious expressions toward students.
To ensure impartiality, the district hired an independent investigator to examine the claims. The resulting report, completed in April, outlines the concerns raised by both students and fellow staff members.
Background of the Dispute
The core of the conflict involves the separation of church and state within a public school setting. Public school employees are generally restricted from promoting their personal religious beliefs to students, a principle rooted in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Details from the Investigator's Report
The report concluded that Castro's conduct was inconsistent with the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for teachers. It detailed specific instances that students found troubling.
According to student testimony cited in the report, Castro would use phrases like "I hope papa God helps you with your lies" or tell students to "go find God" when addressing misbehavior. One student formally questioned the administration about why the teacher felt it was necessary to involve God in their conversations.
Superintendent's Statement
Dr. Tony Gasper, the district's superintendent, stated that the teacher's actions went beyond personal expression. "When a teacher says to the children in the classroom, you need Jesus... she is attempting to establish an official religion in her classroom," he explained.
Dr. Gasper emphasized the district's priority is ensuring a welcoming environment for all students. "What is most important to us is every kid goes to a classroom where they feel like they have an equal shot at being respected and valued. And what’s troubling here is that we know that wasn’t happening in this classroom," he said.
Legal Action and Conflicting Arguments
In response to the district's actions, Castro and her attorney filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that her First Amendment rights to free speech and religious expression were violated. The decision to hire an outside investigator came after this lawsuit was filed.
"Oh absolutely she’s not violating that, that’s completely ridiculous. Marisol is exercising her constitutional [rights]," stated Keisha Russell, Castro's Senior Counsel.
Russell contends that the dispute is fundamentally about the crucifix. "The case is only about the crucifix because that’s ultimately what the entire situation [is] about," she said. Russell described the investigation as "biased" and an attempt by the district to "justify what it’s doing to Marisol."
A Veteran Teacher's Record
Castro's lawyer highlighted her client's extensive career, noting that in over 30 years of teaching, her faith had never been an issue until her recent placement at DiLoreto Magnet School. The report suggests a possible reason for this discrepancy: in previous roles, Castro taught younger students who may not have fully understood her religious references.
However, the investigation found that her approach at the middle school level upset a majority of her students and that her religious references were a source of concern for them.
Current Status and Path Forward
The lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. Until a resolution is reached, Castro has been reassigned to an administrative position within the district's curriculum office, keeping her away from direct contact with students.
The district maintains that it has attempted to find a resolution. "The district has really given multiple offers multiple times of ways in which she can go back to the classroom and unfortunately, she’s choosing not to entertain any of those options," Superintendent Gasper said.
Conversely, Castro's legal team asserts she is eager to return to her passion. "She absolutely loves her job and she loves teaching, and it was taken away from her for an unconstitutional reason," Russell concluded.
