A discrimination lawsuit filed Tuesday against Academy of Holy Angels and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis alleges they didn’t renew her employment contract as a school librarian because of her transgender status and sex.

The lawsuit alleges the Richfield Catholic high school and the archdiocese violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act in 2022 by not entering into a new contract with Reyzl Grace, who served as a secular librarian, after she came out as transgender.

Reyzl Grace (Courtesy of Gender Justice)

While the MHRA does permit limited exemptions on religious grounds, the Legislature never intended for these exemptions to apply to secular employees, according to St. Paul-based Gender Justice, which along with its co-counsel, Wanta Thome, filed the lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court.

“Reyzl Grace’s story highlights the importance of ensuring that no employer in Minnesota has carte blanche to discriminate against employees simply because of who they are,” Brittany Stewart, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice, said in a statement. “We believe in a Minnesota where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination. This case is a crucial step toward that goal.”

Grace, who is Jewish, worked as the sole librarian at Holy Angels during the 2021-2022 school year. Her role required no ministerial duties, religious training or education, according to the lawsuit.

Grace informed Holy Angels in March 2022 of her intention to renew her employment contract for another year. Principal Heidi Foley initially expressed a desire for her to continue in her role, the lawsuit says.

Foley’s demeanor changed when Grace revealed she had come out as transgender and was starting the process of transitioning to live as her female self, the lawsuit says. “Foley said the Archdiocese would not support (Grace’s) transition, and it would not be possible for (Grace) to continue working at the school if she was determined to transition,” the lawsuit alleges.

About a week later, Grace again met with Foley. Grace was given a copy of the “Guiding Principles for Catholic Schools and Religious Education Concerning Human Sexuality and Sexual Identity,” which, according to the lawsuit, represents the Archdiocese’s position on sexual and gender identity.

The “Guiding Principles” state the Catholic Church’s foundational beliefs include that “[a] person’s embrace of his or her God-given sexual identity is an essential part of living a fulfilled relationship with God, with oneself, and with each other” and “[t]he harmonious integration of a person’s sexual identity with his or her sex is an expression of the inner unity and reality of the human person made body and soul in the image and likeness of God.”

The lawsuit says the document “goes on to instruct schools who teach in the name of the Catholic Church to discriminate against transgender and gender-nonconforming students by, for example, refusing to recognize their pronouns and preferred name if they are inconsistent with a student’s sex assigned at birth, and refusing to allow LGBTQ+ students to express their sexual identity.”

The school’s employee handbook does not explicitly contain or mention the Guiding Principles, and Grace had never previously been shown the document, according to the lawsuit.

Applied again

After reviewing the Guiding Principles, Grace said the document was vague and she did not believe she could abide by the directives. “It was clear to Grace that what she was being told was that she would not be allowed to work at (Holy Angels) given that she is transgender,” the lawsuit says.

Foley told Grace that the Guiding Principles document was the only reason she was not being offered a renewed contract, the lawsuit alleges.

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At the end of the meeting, Foley told Grace that she should not tell anyone about their conversations and instead should say “she was ‘pursuing other options,’ as the school wanted to control the messaging on this,” the lawsuit continues.

Foley asked Grace to submit a formal letter of resignation by the end of the school year, the lawsuit says. She did not, and in June 2022 sent a letter to the school’s administration recounting the events in writing. She did not receive a written reply to her letter.

Later that month, Holy Angels posted a job opening for the library/media specialist position. “As with the previous posting for the position, the posting did not list any ministerial duties and did not require any religious training or education,” the lawsuit states.

Grace applied on June 21, 2022, using the same application that had been used the year prior with updated information to include the experience she gained during her year of employment at the school. She did not get a response until August 1, 2022, when a human resources representative sent her a letter thanking her for the application and indicating the position had been filled.

Human rights complaint

Grace filed charges of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights against the school and archdiocese in April 2023. They entered replies claiming the archdiocese “does not operate, supervise or control (Holy Angels),” the lawsuit says.

Grace, who is seeking monetary damages, including back pay, addressed media Tuesday outside the county courthouse in Minneapolis.

“You have heard it said that allowing religious institutions to discriminate against LGBT people is to the protection of religious freedom, a safeguarding of the church from state interference,” Grace said. “But I say onto you, that allowing an institution to discriminate against employees for the shape of their bodies or the shape of their love is not only a violation of state law, but also a curtailment of religious freedom, a weighting of the scales that favors certain readings, certain interpretations, certain voices, over others.”

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said they are reviewing the lawsuit with its legal counsel and not commenting.

Holy Angels issued a statement, saying: “We take the allegations seriously. We are in the process of reviewing the allegations, but we are not able to make further comments because the claims involve confidential personnel matters.”

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Officials say building more accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, can help older residents continue living in the city they helped build, and offer homeowners a way to generate income and create generational wealth by utilizing their existing spaces.

In the middle of public review for his proposed City of Yes for Housing Opportunity (COYFHO), Mayor Eric Adams announced new tools for homeowners interested in building accessory dwelling units (ADU). They include a one-stop shop online portal to streamline the approval process, and an additional $4 million in grants to help property owners build or convert existing spaces into homes.

The mayor’s push to create more ADUs—independent units on the same lot as existing housing, such as a backyard cottage, converted garage or basement with a separate entrance—are a key part of his COYFHO proposal.

The plan would, among other zoning reforms, allow for the creation of ADUs on lots with one- or two- family residences. City officials say this will help older residents continue living in the city they helped build, and offer homeowners a way to generate income and create generational wealth by utilizing their existing spaces.

“Many of our older adults are really struggling to meet the mortgage payment, they may have lost a loved one, they may be dealing with retirement and on a fixed income,” Adams said at a press briefing Monday.

“This is a way to use your number one asset, for people in general I believe, but specifically for Black and brown people—the home,” he added. “That’s your asset. That is your foundation. That is what you build your entire financial stability after.”

There is a growing need for more housing, given the city’s historically low rental vacancy rate of 1.4 percent. At the same time, the number of older adults in New York is increasing. Those 65 and up currently represent 20 percent of the city’s residents; by 2040, their population is expected to increase by 40 percent.

There are currently 15 homeowners building or converting ADUs as part of the city’s “Plus One ADU” program in zones where they are legal (single-family homes in areas that allow for two-family homes, according to the program’s eligibility criteria). Each pilot program recipient received up to a $395,000 grant through HPD from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

The additional funding of $4 million from the state, announced Monday, will allow another 20 homeowners who are permitted under current zoning and building codes to add or convert a secondary home. These units can be up to 800 square feet in size.

Those interested and eligible can apply through the one-stop online portal that will be launched soon. The portal, the commissioner said, will provide information on the drawbacks and benefits of ADUs, an online library of building and architectural plans that have been vetted by the Department of Buildings to help accelerate the approval process, and connections to the construction firms that submitted those plans.

Beth Finkel, the state director of AARP, urged communities to endorse ADUs as a way to offer more housing options to its members.

“I asked you to think if this was your own mother, if this was your mother, and she was struggling and wanted to make sure she could stay in her own community, and there was a way to do this by building an accessory dwelling unit,” she said. “Maybe it’s your mother who has the home and then is able to put an accessory dwelling unit in there so that you are there, you’re there when she needs you. And this is a great opportunity.” 

Allowing more older adults to remain in their neighborhoods will help the local economy, she argued, as they will use their social security and pension checks at nearby supermarkets and other shops. 

Within the first few two months of opening applications for the initial 15 ADUs in the city’s pilot program in November 2023, the mayor’s office said it received 2,800 submissions.

Sade Singh, 29, a homeowner in St. Albans, Queens, was one of them, though she ultimately didn’t qualify because of current zoning restrictions. “My home falls in a location where I have strict zoning laws, so unfortunately I didn’t meet the eligibility requirements then,” she said.

Singh lives with her 57-year-old mother who is about to retire, and she is keen to convert her basement to an independent unit. That additional rental income would help “ease the burden of the mortgage,” she said.  

“And then I also see the value in having a space for a family down the line, like just being part of my family’s legacy,” Singh explained.  

So far, out of the city’s 59 community boards voting for COYFHO, 28 have issued “unfavorable” recommendations on the proposal, some citing concerns about new development disrupting the character of low-density neighborhoods. 

At Monday’s announcement, the mayor addressed those worries. “This is not going to change a neighborhood,” he said. “You’re not going to see a 14-story building in someone’s backyard.” 

If approved, out of the 100,000 homes COYFHO aims to build in the next 15 years, ADUs could represent anywhere between 26,000 to 40,000, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer said. 

Following recommendations by community boards and borough presidents, COYFHO will head to the City Planning Commission for a vote, then to the City Council.

“We want to ask our partners in the City Council to say yes, we want to ask our community boards not to be afraid of this new adoption,” said Mayor Adams.

“So yes for a little more housing in every neighborhood, yes to build the future for both our grandchildren and grandparents, and yes to ADUs in the opportunity they offer.”

To reach the reporter behind this story, contact Subeksha@citylimits.org. To reach the editor, contact Jeanmarie@citylimits.org

Want to republish this story? Find City Limits’ reprint policy here.

Two of the best players on the Gophers football team square off in hand-to-hand combat on a near daily basis.

It’s a main event worthy of a tub of popcorn and a coveted front-row seat: left tackle Aireontae Ersery versus defensive end Jah Joyner.

Joyner posted team-highs of 46 pressures and 7 1/2 sakes last season, while Ersery allowed only 15 pressures and two sacks a year ago, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I think it makes both of us great because we are coming off a strong season and I feel like it’s important for the younger guys to see stuff like that,” Ersery said. “Older guys putting in work day in and day out.”

Going into what is expected to be their final collegiate seasons, Ersery is considered a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft next April, while Joyner will likely hear his name called later on.

“It’s been a battle all fall camp,” Joyner said of one-on-ones with Ersery. “We definitely got each other better throughout the years.”

Both player gave the other his flowers. “He’s one of the best in the country,” Joyner said of 6-foot-6, 330-pound Ersery. “He is able to move his feet really well.”

Ersery said the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Joyner is “athletic, quick, strong, smart. You got to come with your ‘A’ game. Me and Jah are teammates, so it’s a little different …”

But who wins more one-on-one battles?

Ersery lightly laughed before mostly dodging the question. “It goes back and forth,” he said. “But yeah.”

“Right now, it’s a tie,” Joyner answered. “Yeah, let ’em know that.”

Injury update

The Gophers rested or held out approximately 10 starting-caliber players in Tuesday’s practice, including No. 1 receiver Daniel Jackson who was not in pads. He is expected back later this week.

Potential starting safety Darius Green has been out to start preseason camp. “Darius should be back pretty soon; he had an off-the-field issue in the summer that the trainers are keeping him out for,” head coach P.J. Fleck said.

Lindsey learning

With starting quarterback Max Brosmer not practicing much Tuesday, backup true freshman Drake Lindsey saw a lot of reps — and there were a lot of things to coach up.

On some passing plays, he dealt with pressure in his face and coverage sacks. Some of those plays came consecutively as the speed of play appeared to be moving pretty fast for the Fayetteville, Ark., native.

Brosmer recalled moments he had his own issues as a young player at FCS-level New Hampshire. “That’s happened here (at Minnesota), too,” Brosmer said, “because we are always trying to grow. As a freshman, I don’t know what I’m looking at. I’m just like throw to the open guy, but sometimes you have no idea where the open guy is.”

Lindsey bounced back later in practice and connected on a nice play-action pass to tight end Piece Walsh.

Briefly

The Gophers had a sloppier practice Tuesday than they did on Saturday. They didn’t have a left tackle for one play and had multiple problems with illegal shifts. Fleck stopped practice at one point to calmly teach them about the importance of getting set before another player goes in motion. … Koi Perich is considered the top-rated in-state recruit in the Gophers’ 2024 class, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an adjustment period for the touted Esko native. During an inside run drill, sixth-year Michigan State transfer tailback Jaren Mangham ran over Perich. To his credit, Perich popped right back up. At this point, Perich’s most likely path to the field is on special teams, perhaps as punt returner. … Defensive tackle Theo Randle had multiple disruptive plays Tuesday; those splash moments can help him be the depth the U seeks in the interior of the D-line. … Freshman tailback Fame Ijeboi had some nice runs Tuesday, but it will be a challenge for him to see the field this fall with the number of players ahead of him. … Penn State transfer receiver Cristian Driver showed explosiveness taking a short slant and racking up yards after the catch; he might be challenging for a starting spot. … The Gophers had representatives from a handful of NFL teams watch practice on Tuesday, including the Patriots, Broncos, Falcons and Texans.

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An Isanti police officer sent a lewd photo to a 13-year-old girl through Snapchat and — after her friend saw it — told her to say it was not his, according to charges filed Tuesday.

Nicholas Irvin Martell, 30, of Isanti, was arrested Sunday and charged with one count of distributing via electronic communication sexually explicit material to children. He’s being held at the Anoka County jail in lieu of $300,000 bail.

Nicholas Irvin Martell (Courtesy of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department)

Martell was hired by the Isanti Police Department as an officer on Feb. 27, 2023. He was put on administrative leave Sunday, when the city learned of his arrest and the allegations, City Administrator Josi Wood said Tuesday.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Isanti County District Court:

The girl’s father contacted law enforcement on Saturday to report that his friend, Martell, had sent a penis photo to his daughter on July 27.

Law enforcement interviewed the girl, who initially was reluctant to discuss her communications or relationship with Martell. She ultimately said that prior to sending the photo, Martell had asked her if she wanted to “see it.” After sending the photo, Martell asked the girl if she “liked it.”

The next day, Martell apologized for sending the photo and asked her not to tell anyone.

The girl sent Martell a message letting him know that one of her friend’s had seen the photo and that her friend was upset. Martell messaged the girl through Snapchat, telling her that she “needs to call me alone.” She called Martell and her friend recorded the conversation. At the beginning of the call he asked if she was alone and then asked her to tell the friend that it was a “different Nick” who sent the photo.

Martell then pleaded with the girl, saying that he could go to prison because of the photo. The girl ended the call, telling him that her sister was coming upstairs. He later messaged the girl and asked when they could talk again.

Law enforcement examined the girl’s cellphone and Martell’s and have requested search warrants from Snapchat to conduct a forensic analysis, “but from what was presently viewable,” the complaint states, “it is clear that the communication was far more extensive than initially disclosed by (the girl) both on the day the photograph was sent and in the days and months prior.”

Isanti Police Chief Travis Muyres said in a Tuesday statement that he is “disheartened” with the criminal charges against Martell, adding the alleged conduct “does not represent the standards of the Isanti Police Department, nor the commitment of our law enforcement officers to serve and protect the residents of our community. The trust of our community is of utmost importance, and we will not tolerate any conduct that undermines that trust.”

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