Oregon Hospital Accused of Discriminating Against Christian Employee Group
A nurse claims Oregon Health & Science University initially denied her group's formation unless religious activities were removed.
A Christian nurse at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Hospital alleges that administrators initially refused to approve her employee resource group unless she removed prayer, Bible study, and other religious activities, and changed its designation from a Christian group to an interfaith organization. The nurse, Suzie Logue, stated that the hospital also initially denied the group access to hospital resources and campus buildings, even as other religious groups were permitted to use such facilities.
Logue formed the group in early 2025 with other Christian employees seeking a space for prayer, Scripture study, and mutual encouragement during their shifts. She reported that when she inquired about the specific hospital policy being cited for the denial, she was met with silence. Following her persistent inquiries, OHSU informed her that the group's charter was under review by the hospital's legal department.
Logue subsequently contacted the First Liberty Institute, a legal organization. After the institute sent a demand letter to OHSU, the hospital ultimately approved the group as a Christian employee resource group and permitted it to use hospital resources for prayer and worship. Logue stated that the group has since grown rapidly through word of mouth.
"Federal law mandates that employees of all faiths be respected in the workplace," said Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, in a statement. "Even so, OHSU displayed a clear pattern of discrimination and hostility toward Ms. Logue's Christian employee resource group by denying them visibility on the company website, companywide messaging, equal stipend payment, and fair descriptions of religious holidays."
Martin added, "We are happy to say that since July, the issues have mostly been resolved, and the Christian resource group should receive the same support every other group receives."
In a statement to Fox News Digital, OHSU said, "Employee Resource Groups are OHSU-sponsored and employee-managed groups. ERGs provide opportunities for career development, social support, networking, mentoring, community participation, cultural awareness and employee engagement. There are 15 ERGs at OHSU, including the Christian ERG, which was formed in 2025."
The hospital stated that, per OHSU policy, "any group of at least three employees may request to be considered to form a new ERG." The hospital added that emerging ERGs must identify potential goals and craft a mission statement, which must be reviewed and potentially adapted to align with OHSU policies prior to approval. Each ERG operates with institutional support, which entitles them to access institution-owned or -controlled facilities for meetings and events, in accordance with policy, and must remain in compliance with OHSU policies to maintain recognition.