University of Michigan Health-West Settles $410,000 with Christian Physician Assistant

University of Michigan Health‑West agreed to pay $410,000 to former physician assistant Valerie Kloosterman, who was terminated after refusing to use patients' preferred pronouns and to participate in transgender medical procedures. The settlement requires the hospital to adopt a religious accommodation policy that protects employees from being forced to act against their sincerely held Christian beliefs. Kloosterman, who worked at the facility for 17 years, filed a lawsuit in 2022 alleging discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The case was dismissed after the settlement was reached, and Judge Eric Murphy noted that the hospital’s mandatory diversity training conflicted with Kloosterman’s religious convictions. First Liberty Institute represented Kloosterman, emphasizing that the agreement safeguards the ability of employees to provide care consistent with their medical judgment and faith.