Lawmakers seek clarity after claims that a faith-based institution faced barriers in a public school student teaching program
Washington, D.C., United States, 23 December 2025 – A dispute involving a private Christian college and a major public school district has drawn the attention of federal lawmakers, raising questions about religious freedom, education policy, and student teaching opportunities.
U.S. Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, has formally requested information from Chicago Public Schools following reports that Moody Bible Institute, a private Christian college, may have been excluded from the district’s student teaching program. According to the congressman, the issue centers on whether faith-based hiring practices are being unfairly restricted.
Moody Bible Institute recently received approval from the Illinois State Board of Education for its elementary education bachelor’s degree program. As part of the program, student teachers are expected to complete classroom placements in public school districts, including Chicago Public Schools.
However, concerns emerged when Moody applied to participate in the district’s Pre-Service Teaching Program. According to Walberg’s letter, the district required the college to sign agreements that would prevent it from hiring or dismissing employees based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Walberg stated that these requirements may conflict with the college’s religious beliefs and established employment policies.
In his letter to Chicago Public Schools Interim Superintendent Macquline King, Walberg said that if the claims are accurate, the situation could be unlawful. He argued that requiring a religious institution to change its faith-based policies as a condition for participation may violate constitutional protections.
Moody reportedly asked the district to adjust the agreement language to protect its right to hire employees who align with its religious beliefs. According to the letter, the district declined to make changes, which would effectively prevent Moody students from completing their required student teaching placements in Chicago public schools.
Walberg described the situation as a forced choice between maintaining religious identity and accessing a public education program. He emphasized that student teachers should not be blocked from classroom experience due to their institution’s faith-based policies.
The House Education and Workforce Committee has requested documents and records related to the Pre-Service Teaching Program. The information is expected to help lawmakers determine whether further legislative action is needed, including possible changes to federal education law. The deadline for the district to provide the requested materials is January 5, 2026.
The case highlights broader tensions between public education systems and faith-based institutions, especially as issues of diversity, inclusion, and religious freedom continue to intersect. While the investigation is still in its early stages, education leaders across the country are watching closely to see how the matter unfolds.
The outcome could influence how public school districts work with private colleges, particularly those with religious foundations, and how student teaching programs are structured in the future.
