A Puerto Rico court recently ruled on a case involving the expulsion of a student from a religious school, affecting the rights of students and the balance between church and state. The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico denied a request for certiorari from the Wesleyan Academy and its affiliated church, which sought to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the student's parents. This decision underscores the ongoing legal debates surrounding educational institutions and their disciplinary actions.

The case, titled Jonah Blake Sims, MacIel Adriana Sims Y La Sociedad Legal De Gananciales Compuesta Por Ambos, Por Sí Y en Representación De Su Hijo Menor, Jbsm v. Wesleyan Academy, Inc.; Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana, Distrito De Puerto Rico, Inc., was filed under docket number TA2026CE00760 on June 30, 2026. The ruling is significant as it touches on issues of due process, contractual obligations, and the rights of students in religious educational settings.

The dispute began on August 22, 2024, when Jonah Blake Sims, MacIel Adriana Sims, and their minor son, referred to as JBSM, filed a lawsuit against Wesleyan Academy, Inc. and the Iglesia Evangélica Wesleyana. They claimed breach of contract, violation of due process, defamation, and damages. The parents alleged that their son faced unjust disciplinary actions, including expulsion, without a fair opportunity to defend himself against the charges.

According to the lawsuit, the academy expelled JBSM in December 2023 after he was accused of serious violations, including theft and threats towards other students. The parents argued that the expulsion was unjust, as their son was not present at the school during the alleged incidents. They also claimed that the academy failed to follow its own disciplinary procedures outlined in its handbook.

In response, the academy filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction due to the separation of church and state. They contended that the disciplinary actions were based on their religious principles and that the court should not interfere with their internal matters. The academy maintained that the parents had agreed to the school's disciplinary processes when enrolling their son.

On May 14, 2026, the lower court, known as the Tribunal de Primera Instancia, denied the academy's motion to dismiss. This led the academy to file a certiorari request with the Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn the lower court's decision. The academy claimed that the lower court erred in allowing the case to proceed, citing constitutional protections related to religious institutions.

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Rivera Torres, reviewed the case and ultimately denied the certiorari request. The court stated, "We conclude that the lower court did not err in its decision to deny the motion to dismiss, as the issues raised by the plaintiffs involve fundamental rights that warrant judicial review." The court emphasized the importance of ensuring that students' rights are protected in educational settings, even within religious institutions.

This ruling has implications for similar cases in Puerto Rico and beyond, as it reinforces the notion that religious schools must adhere to legal standards regarding student rights and due process. The court's decision suggests that while religious institutions have certain protections, they cannot disregard the rights of students in disciplinary matters.

The impact of this ruling extends to parents, students, and educational institutions in Puerto Rico. It highlights the need for schools to follow established protocols when disciplining students and ensures that students have the opportunity to contest disciplinary actions. This case may set a precedent for future disputes involving religious schools and the rights of their students.

Looking ahead, the academy has the option to appeal the Court of Appeals' decision to the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. However, details about any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case may influence how religious schools operate and enforce their disciplinary policies in the future.