Aztec Municipal School District settles with fired history teacher

The Aztec Municipal School District in New Mexico has reached a settlement with Jarrell Botello, a former American history teacher who alleged he was fired due to religious discrimination.

Botello, who has since retired, was dismissed in July 2025 following parent complaints regarding his classroom instruction. The complaints centered on how he addressed the immigration debate and the religious beliefs of the U.S. Founders, as well as his use of a video featuring conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Botello had alleged that while he used the district’s approved curriculum, he was accused of racism and faced discipline that non-Christian or non-Hispanic teachers did not face for similar instruction.

Following a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency reportedly urged the school district to enter into a settlement agreement. Liberty Counsel, the legal group representing Botello, stated that the EEOC recognized elements of discrimination in the firing. The specific terms and details of the settlement have not been disclosed by either party.