A Marine veteran and mother of five is taking legal action against an Oregon school district. She alleges that the district refused to reimburse for an academic curriculum due to its Christian perspective. Tessa Bulzan, who opted to leave her lucrative job following an issue at her children’s school that conflicted with her personal beliefs, joined the Hillsboro School District’s homeschool partnership program in July 2025. Initially, the district approved her chosen Christian curriculum as meeting academic standards. However, months later, the district denied reimbursement.
Bulzan explained her decision-making process. “There was an incident where a teacher said something against our moral and biblical beliefs,” she shared. Bulzan decided, with her husband, that she would leave her job to homeschool their children. She described this choice as the best they have made so far.
Tessa Bulzan with her family. (Alliance Defending Freedom)
The financial impact of homeschooling was significant for the family. Bulzan’s husband was earning under $50,000 in his job. The Hillsboro homeschool partnership program seemed promising, especially as the family discovered that their existing curriculum, including Abeka and Classical Conversations, aligned with district requirements.
However, in January, Bulzan faced disappointing news. The district refused her reimbursement request solely because of the authors’ biblical views. This decision left her shocked. The reimbursement was intended for extracurricular activities and additional learning materials.
A child prays over a Bible outdoors. (iStock)
Bulzan questioned the district’s decision, highlighting the academic merit of her materials. This included a cursive book aiding her dyslexic daughter. The district admitted there were no equally rigorous alternatives. Yet, funding was denied due to the scriptural content and the author’s religious worldview.
“One-hundred percent, it was discrimination,” Bulzan declared. Initially, she was told her curriculum not only met but surpassed school and state standards in subjects like math, writing, and grammar. Following the denial, she sought clarity, questioning if the issue was religious bias or an attempt for fairness in reimbursements. After her inquiry, she felt singled out for her Christian curriculum. Bulzan pointed out instances where non-Christian, religious materials received reimbursement, including a text about Indian ancestral practices.
Students read books in a school setting. (Ryan McVay/iStock)
In September, attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) initiated a federal lawsuit against the district. According to ADF attorney Kate Anderson, the case clearly involves religious discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that public benefit programs cannot exclude religious content. Anderson expressed optimism that the court will address this violation of the Constitution.
A gavel and legal books are displayed on a judge’s desk. (iStock)
A spokesperson from Hillsboro School District declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter. Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers topics at the intersection of politics, faith, family, and American culture.