James Dunkin is suing his employer, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF), because he claims he was fired for not participating in prayer meetings. Furthermore, Dunkin says his boss, shop superintendent Jeff Kirby, handed out religious materials containing “instructions for raising ‘masculine sons and feminine daughters,’” and declaring that it is a sin for married couples not to have children. Dunkin also says that Kirby disclosed Dunkin’s personal health information to co-workers.

 

Dunkin, who had been with BNSF since 1996, was working as a general foreman in the Glendive, Montana, diesel shop when the incidents occurred. A Christian, Dunkin initially did attend the prayer meetings, but stopped because he felt uncomfortable with Kirby’s interpretation of Christianity. After Dunkin complained, he was transferred to Kansas City, Kansas, and demoted to a lower pay grade.

-David Wallechinsky, Noel Brinkerhoff

 

He Was Demoted for Failing to Pray, Rail Worker Says (by Bridget Freeland, Courthouse News Service)

James Dunkin v. BNSF Railroad (U.S. District Court, Kansas) (pdf)