Marine Veteran Sues Oregon School District Over Reimbursement for Religious Curriculum

A Marine veteran and mother of five, Tessa Bulzan, has filed a lawsuit against an Oregon school district. She claims the district denied reimbursement for her children’s academic curriculum because it reflected a Christian worldview.

Bulzan, who left a lucrative job due to a conflict with moral and biblical beliefs at her children’s school, joined Hillsboro School District’s homeschool partnership program in July 2025. Initially, the district approved her Christian curriculum but later denied reimbursement.

“A teacher said something contrary to our beliefs, leading my husband and me, after prayer, to decide on homeschooling,” Bulzan shared with Fox News Digital. “So far, it’s been the best decision.” She found joining Hillsboro’s program advantageous due to the high cost of homeschooling and her husband’s income below $50,000.

Despite initial approval of her Christian curriculums like Abeka and Classical Conversations, Bulzan’s request for reimbursement in January was denied due to the authors’ biblical beliefs. This shocked Bulzan, as she planned to use the funds for extracurriculars and additional curriculum.

Bulzan questioned the denial, highlighting rigorous academic materials used, including a cursive book for her dyslexic daughter. An administrator admitted no comparable alternative existed but stated funding was denied due to the biblical worldview and references in the materials.

“This was discrimination,” Bulzan stated. “My curriculum met and exceeded standards, yet was denied. Was it due to my Christian beliefs or a neutral stance to ensure fair reimbursement?”

Bulzan investigated the situation, feeling singled out. She noted acceptance of secular books with opposing worldviews and cited examples of other reimbursed materials involving ancestral worship, contrasting the rejection of her grammar book due to God references.

In September, attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) filed a federal lawsuit against Hillsboro School District. “We filed this case in Oregon federal court; it’s early, but the case is clear,” stated ADF attorney Kate Anderson.

Anderson emphasized religious discrimination, asserting constitutional violations as the Supreme Court consistently states public benefit programs cannot exclude religious content.

“Religious families must be on equal footing with secular ones regarding curriculum. It’s a clear constitutional violation, and we hope the court acts swiftly,” said Anderson.

A Hillsboro School District spokesperson refrained from commenting on pending litigation.