Interference with Contract

Key Point 8-24. A reference letter is a letter that evaluates the qualifications and suitability of a person for a particular position. Churches, like other employers, often use reference letters to screen new employees and volunteers. Churches often are asked to provide reference letters on current or former workers. The law generally provides employers with important protections when responding to a reference letter request. However, liability may still arise in some cases, such as if the employer acts with malice in drafting a reference letter.

A Texas court dismissed a lawsuit brought by a university student against a school official who informed a prospective employer of the student's arrest for public lewdness. A university student (the "plaintiff") was working toward a degree in elementary education. While on his way to a student teaching assignment at an elementary school, he stopped ...