Ohio civil rights group rules that ex-employee can sue LifeWise for discrimination

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Civil Rights Council closed its investigation into LifeWise Academy, granting a former employee the right to sue.

Former LifeWise instructor Rachel Snell alleged the organization forced her to resign when she refused to falsify her hours. LifeWise Academy, a religious instruction organization based in Hilliard, asked the Ohio Supreme Court to stop a state investigation into the claims, alleging it infringed on LifeWise's right to decide who spreads its religious message. Before the court could rule, the OCRC said the case is no longer relevant because the state agency already completed its investigation.

According to court documents, Snell requested to withdraw her age-based discrimination claim in favor of a notice of right to sue. In Ohio, if someone alleges they were the victim of an employment law violation, they can only sue if they have first filed a charge with the OCRC and been granted a right to sue. ODRC determined Snell's case had enough standing to continue.

In a court filing, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who represented the OCRC in the case, said the case should be dismissed as moot. Yost said a lawsuit into whether the state can investigate is no longer relevant if the case is closed.

In the Supreme Court filing, LifeWise alleged Snell worked beyond the scope of her duties and was insubordinate. Snell claimed she faced a poor work environment at her chapter in western Ohio once it became clear that she, unlike a younger coworker, would not work for free and falsify her hours. Under the OCRC ruling, Snell is considering letting a court decide.

LifeWise did not voice concerns about the right to sue letter to NBC4.

“We're pleased that the OCRC investigation is closed," a LifeWise spokesperson said. "We remain committed to making character-based Bible education available to all Ohio families during school hours." 

Snell told NBC4 she had not realized accepting a right to sue letter would withdraw the charge, but she was glad to take it if it meant holding LifeWise accountable. She said LifeWise's court filing blamed her and included inaccuracies, which she said was inappropriate for a Christian organization.

Snell said she and her family have prayed about it and understand a lawsuit may be necessary to move forward. If she wins a lawsuit against LifeWise, she said she has decided which charities she will give most of the settlement to, including other ministries geared toward children that Snell feels are better aligned with her morals.

According to court documents, Snell can sue LifeWise over the alleged discrimination as long as she does it within the next two years.