Wrestling coach who said Christianity cost him job at Mich. school settles case for $24,500

Mich. school paid to settle religion suit by coach

DETROIT — A wrestling coach who claimed he lost his job at a suburban Detroit high school because of his Christian beliefs has settled the lawsuit for $24,500.

Gerald Marszalek also received $500 from Dearborn Public Schools in June in exchange for waiving any claim of age discrimination. The details were obtained by The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act.

The 65-year-old Marszalek was wrestling coach at Fordson High School, where Muslim students are a majority. He says his troubles with the principal began when a volunteer assistant introduced some wrestlers to Christianity.

Marszalek’s contract wasn’t renewed in 2008 after 35 years.

Dearborn schools admitted no liability. The district says it settled to eliminate the cost of litigation. Marszalek sued in 2009.