UMVA has learned that a lawsuit has been filed against Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, alleging that her public expressions of her Christian faith have crossed a line into proselytizing.
The lawsuit, filed by groups representing multiple USDA employees, claims that Rollins' actions violate the First Amendment. At the heart of the complaint is an email sent to all USDA employees on Easter Sunday, which some see as an attempt to promote her Christian beliefs.
The email, which was widely shared, quoted General George Washington's General Orders to the Continental Army, saying, "To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian." Rollins also wrote, "He is risen indeed!" and shared a message about the resurrection of Jesus.
The lawsuit argues that Rollins' actions have created a hostile work environment, with the Secretary using her position of authority to promote her Christian beliefs to a captive audience. The complaint points to a pattern of behavior, including similar emails sent on the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
Rollins has responded to the lawsuit on social media, stating that she does not regret sending the communications. In a tweet, she wrote, "It's just another opportunity to remind everyone: He is Risen."
The lawsuit also takes issue with Rollins' Christmas message, which said, "The spirit of generosity flows from the very first Christmas when God gave us the greatest gift possible, the gift of his Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, who came to free us from our sins and open the door to eternal life."
According to information obtained by UMVA, the lawsuit claims that Rollins' actions have escalated to the point where she is now using her position to promote her Christian beliefs to the entire USDA workforce.
The controversy surrounding Rollins' expressions of her faith has sparked a heated debate about the role of religion in the workplace and the limits of free speech for public officials.
