Chicago Public Schools and Moody Bible Institute reached a settlement resolving a religious-discrimination lawsuit that had blocked Moody students from CPS’s student-teaching program. CPS revised its Student Teacher Internship Agreement to acknowledge Moody’s ability to maintain faith-based hiring practices, and Moody is now listed as an approved university partner. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a stipulated dismissal, and both parties said the modification balances constitutional rights with student safety.
Chicago Public Schools Reaches Settlement Allowing Moody Bible Institute Students Back Into Student-Teaching Program
Students outside the Moody Bible Institute, a Christian college.(Getty Images)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Moody Bible Institute have reached a settlement that will allow Moody students to participate in CPS’s student-teaching program after the religious-college’s lawsuit alleged the district unlawfully excluded its candidates over the school’s faith-based hiring policies.
Settlement Details
Moody, a private Christian college in Chicago, sued the Chicago Board of Education in November, claiming CPS denied its students access to the district’s student-teacher internship program because Moody requires employees to affirm a statement of faith and adhere to a code of conduct relating to Christian beliefs, including on gender and sexuality.
The Moody Bible Institute campus on July 30, 2025.
According to the complaint and statements from Moody’s legal counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), CPS had asked Moody to sign two nondiscrimination agreements that would have prevented the college from restricting hiring to those who share its religious convictions. Moody argued that requirement was unlawful and sought modification of the agreement language to recognize its right to faith-based hiring.
What Changed
ADF says the parties reached an agreement under which CPS modified its Student Teacher Internship Agreement to acknowledge Moody’s right to maintain faith-based hiring practices. As part of the settlement, CPS has listed Moody as an approved university partner on its website and ADF filed a stipulated dismissal of the lawsuit.
Students at a Chicago Bible college will now be allowed to participate in Chicago Public Schools' student-teaching program, after a religious discrimination lawsuit settlement.
"Chicago desperately needs more teachers to fill hundreds of vacancies, and Moody’s students will be well-equipped and qualified to help meet that need," ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus said in a statement. "We’re pleased to reach this favorable outcome that will allow [Moody] to participate in Chicago Public Schools’ student-teaching program."
"We are deeply grateful that a resolution has been reached affirming our constitutional right to hire individuals who are aligned with our core mission and biblical values," Moody Provost Dr. Tim Sisk said. He added that Moody’s elementary education students are prepared and eager to begin their CPS student-teaching placements.
In its statement to news outlets, Chicago Public Schools said the district values partnerships that supply additional staff support through student teachers and noted the revised agreement was reached collaboratively to align with the constitutional rights of faith-based organizations while maintaining a commitment to a safe, welcoming environment for students.
Next Steps
With the agreement in place and Moody listed as an approved partner, Moody students may again enroll in CPS student-teaching placements. The stipulated dismissal filed by ADF ends the litigation unless parties agree otherwise.
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