High school teacher sues Oregon over its unconstitutional diversity program

Medford, OR; February 1, 2024: An Oregon high school teacher has filed a federal lawsuit challenging racial discrimination in the State’s Diversity License Expense Reimbursement Program. The program reimburses some teachers for the costs of obtaining or renewing licenses.

Like every teacher in Oregon, Tyler Lynn has to renew his teaching license every five years and welcomed the opportunity for reimbursement. Despite Tyler’s significant contributions to promoting diversity in his classroom and enhancing his students’ appreciation for other cultures, the State denied him the benefit solely because he has the wrong skin color.

“Tyler Lynn has spent his public school career teaching foreign language to willing students. His career exemplifies the value of learning from diverse perspectives. It is preposterous that Oregon has decided he is less valued as a teacher because of his skin color. Tyler is standing up for what is right: that all people should be treated equality under the law, regardless of race,” said Joshua Thompson, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation.

Oregon cannot use race to disfavor individuals for government benefits. The fact that it is only a modest reimbursement makes the State’s decision to discriminate all the more baffling. Represented by Pacific Legal Foundation at no charge, Tyler is fighting back.

The case is Lynn v. Goff and it was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.