US teacher sues school for firing her over 'fornication'

Washington, June 10 (ANI): A former teacher from Florida has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against a Christian school in St. Cloud after administrators fired her because of "fornication" claims.

Jarrestta Hamilton, who was newlywed and pregnant, and teaching fourth graders at Southland Christian School in April 2009, said it was about that time when she approached the administration to talk about "maternity leave".

She said when asked, she admitted that the baby was conceived three weeks before the wedding. A week later, she said the school fired her.

Attorney Ed Gay is helping Hamilton sue the school, claiming that her termination amounts to discrimination based on her pregnancy and marital status.

"If they're going to single her out because she conceived prior to marriage, but allow people to remain employed who conceived during a marriage, isn't that discriminating against her based on her marital status?" Fox News quoted Gay as asking.chool administrator Rob Ennis said the school had not seen the lawsuit.

"At this time, we're going to seek legal counsel, and I really don't feel comfortable making any comment to be honest with you," he said.

A letter sent to Hamilton from the school, asked her not to return because of "fornication", sex outside of marriage.

It also claims that Hamilton knew about the school's moral stance through the employment application process.

"Just a vague reference to upholding standards and purposes of the school," Gay said.

"That's what they're going on as a 'morals' clause," he added.

Hamilton also claims that the school violated her privacy by telling parents and students why she was fired. (ANI)