EEOC rules in favor of teacher fired for giving student a Bible

A New Jersey substitute teacher won his EEOC case against a school district that fired him last January, months after he handed his Bible to a student. The incident started in October 2013 when Walt Tutka was leading a line of students and quoted Jesus’ statement about the last being first to the student who was falling behind his classmates in line.

The quote sparked questions from the student which led to ongoing conversations over a period of days, sparked by the student’s questions. Tutka eventually gave the student his Bible. When the principal found out, Tutka was read the riot act about giving out religious materials, then was fired in January 2014. The firing prompted his lawsuit.

The EEOC just released their ruling to the public although the decision was made mid-December. They concluded that Tutka’s firing was based on his religious beliefs and practices and was therefore an…