A Marine veteran and mother of five, Tessa Bulzan, has filed a lawsuit against an Oregon school district. She claims the district refused to reimburse her for an academic curriculum because it featured a Christian perspective.
Bulzan joined the Hillsboro School District’s homeschool partnership program in July 2025 after leaving her job due to a conflict between her children’s school incident and her moral and biblical beliefs. Initially, the district approved her Christian curriculum as academically suitable. However, they later denied reimbursement.
An incident where a teacher made comments against our moral and biblical beliefs led me and my husband, after prayerful consideration, to quit my lucrative job and start homeschooling our children, which has been our best decision yet.
Bulzan found joining Hillsboro’s program beneficial, especially since homeschooling posed financial strains. Her husband’s earnings were below $50,000, making the district’s acceptance of their Christian curriculum a relief.
In January, the district denied reimbursement for the curriculum due to its biblical content. Bulzan voiced devastation over this decision, as the funds were essential for extracurricular activities and additional resources.
She inquired why the district rejected rigorous academic materials, like a cursive book for her dyslexic daughter. The district admitted there were no alternatives at the same academic level but cited the curriculum’s biblical references as the reason for denial.
Bulzan expressed feelings of discrimination. She noted acceptance of secular materials with spiritual elements while her curriculum faced rejection for referencing God.
In response, attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) launched a federal lawsuit against the district. Kate Anderson, an ADF attorney, emphasized the case is clear-cut religious discrimination, prohibited by the Supreme Court and Constitution.
The Supreme Court has consistently ruled against excluding religious conduct in public benefit programs. This case is a violation and we expect the court to act swiftly.
The Hillsboro School District declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing its pending status.