By Real News Hub Staff | May 22, 2025
DENVER – A Christian employee has filed a formal complaint with the Trump administration’s Department of Labor after allegedly being terminated from a Colorado-based nonprofit organization for refusing to use preferred pronouns in the workplace, according to documents obtained by Real News Hub.
Sarah Mitchell, a 34-year-old administrative assistant who worked at Mile High Community Services for three years, claims she was dismissed last month after declining to use gender-neutral pronouns for a transgender colleague, citing her religious beliefs.
According to the complaint filed through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Mitchell requested a religious accommodation that would allow her to address her coworker by name rather than using pronouns she considered contrary to her Christian faith. The request was allegedly denied by her supervisors.
“I never intended to be disrespectful to anyone,” Mitchell stated in her complaint. “I simply asked to be allowed to practice my faith while still treating my coworker with dignity by using their name.”
The nonprofit organization, which provides community outreach services, reportedly implemented a mandatory pronoun policy in January requiring all employees to use preferred pronouns when addressing or referring to colleagues. The policy was part of the organization’s updated diversity and inclusion guidelines.
Mitchell’s attorney, David Reynolds from the Alliance Defending Freedom, argues that the termination violates federal religious liberty protections. “No employee should be forced to choose between their job and their deeply held religious beliefs,” Reynolds said in a statement.
Mile High Community Services has not responded to requests for comment regarding the specific allegations, though the organization’s website states its commitment to creating “an inclusive environment for all employees and clients.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions between religious freedom claims and LGBTQ+ workplace protections, an issue that has become increasingly prominent in employment law. The Trump administration has previously signaled support for expanding religious liberty protections in workplace settings.
Legal experts suggest the case could test the boundaries of religious accommodation requirements under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, particularly as it relates to pronoun usage policies.
The EEOC has 180 days to investigate the complaint before Mitchell can proceed with a potential federal lawsuit.
This story is developing, and Real News Hub will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Editor’s Note: Real News Hub is committed to accurate reporting. We are currently working to verify details of this complaint and will update this story as we confirm additional information with relevant parties.