Michigan Hospital Settles Lawsuit for $410,000 with Physician Assistant

University of Michigan Health-West has agreed to pay $410,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Valerie Kloosterman, a physician assistant who claimed she was terminated in August 2021 for not complying with workplace policies regarding transgender patients due to her religious beliefs. Kloosterman, represented by First Liberty Institute, stated that she received positive performance reviews before raising objections to mandatory gender identity training. The lawsuit alleges that hospital officials disparaged her religious beliefs during a meeting and that the hospital failed to accommodate her requests for religious exemptions. As part of the settlement, the hospital will implement a religious accommodation policy and provide training to employees. Kloosterman expressed that the new policy will help ensure that employees can provide care consistent with their beliefs.