A Pennsylvania school district has reportedly reinstated a teacher who was placed on leave for bucking a now-suspended policy requiring staff to recognize students' preferred pronouns.

South Side School District (SSSD) high school biology and anatomy teacher Daren Cusato was placed on administrative leave last week after refusing to comply with the new policy, citing religious beliefs. Relatives speaking on Cusato's behalf say the policy was expressed in an email sent to faculty and staff, but it went against both the teacher's Christian beliefs and background in biology.

Cusato, who relatives say has been with the district for more than thirty years, responded to the email indicating he would not follow the policy. He was eventually suspended and instructed not to communicate with anyone within the district.

"Our family would appreciate your prayers," a message from Cyndi Cusato reads. Shared by many on Facebook, Cyndi's message said although Cusato loves his students, he would not "encourage their confusion as a Christian or a bio teacher."

"He stated his reasoning, referencing Bible verses, as well as declaring the infringement on his First Amendment rights," the message went on to read.

Facebook users also shared they were encouraging their children to "respectfully protest" Cusato's suspension, and indicated they were disappointed in the district.

The suspension came without school board involvement, bringing the matter to a vote at Wednesday night's special meeting. More than 400 attended the meeting and more than 40 spoke, with the majority supporting Cusato, according to WPXI.

Many seemed to stand behind Cusato on social media, including parents, current and former students, community members and Congresswoman Stephanie Borowicz (R-Pa.), who encouraged people to stand up for what they believe in.

The policy in question has been suspended, and the district plans to create a new policy addressing preferred pronouns.

This is not the first time teachers' religious beliefs have made waves in Pennsylvania.

Last year, state lawmakers advocated for a bill to protect teachers' First Amendment rights by repealing a section of the Public School Code of 1949. As it stands, teachers are prohibited from "wearing any garb, mark, emblem or insignia that would indicate they are a member of or adherent to any religious order or sect while in the performance of their duties as a teacher." Those who choose to do so face suspension from teaching for one year or being permanently banned if they continue to do so.

Pennsylvania is the last state with this law still in place, and the bill to repeal it has been tabled for the time being.

The National Desk (TND) has reached out to SSSD Superintendent Alan Fritz for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received.