A federal judge has ruled against a Connecticut public school teacher who displayed a small crucifix in her workspace, determining that the display violated the district’s policy on religious expression in public schools. The decision reignited debate over the balance between personal faith and professional boundaries in education. Senior Counsel Becky Dummermuth with First Liberty Institute, who represents the teacher, says the ruling sends a troubling message that teachers of faith must “hide their religious identity to keep their jobs.” She added that First Liberty is reviewing all legal options to protect the teacher’s constitutional rights to free expression and religious freedom.