Homosexual Teachers in Catholic Schools

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It has recently been discovered that a teacher at the Catholic school my children attend is involved in a domestic partnership with another woman. She is a new teacher and been there about a month. It has been brought to the attention of the principal and the superintendent, it is being looked into. Does anyone know what my rights are? I believe that every teacher in a Catholic school is a catechist and is responsible for teaching the faith to our kids. I have put my children in a Catholic school to protect them from certain influences.
 
Welcome to CAF! 👋

I think you are absolutely correct that every teacher in a Catholic school is a catechist, whether they recognize it or not. Further, the importance of a teacher’s witness through the lifestyle she leads cannot be overestimated.

Different dioceses have different policies. Some dioceses have it built into a teacher’s contract that they must live a life in keeping with Catholic teaching (or something to that effect). So situations like this actually give them legitimate recourse to dismiss the teacher from her post. But this is not the case everywhere.

Certainly, as a parent you are the primary educator of your child and have the right to expect a solid Catholic education from your Catholic school. These situations cannot always be solved swiftly, however. They can get complicated. But it seems a good sign that both the principal and superintendent are looking into it. You may want to follow up with them at some point to see what other developments there may be.

If it were me, I would consider whether or not the teacher in question is teaching my children specifically, as well as what the alternatives would be. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where there are no options we would like. If it’s between a Catholic school with some issues, a public school with more issues, or homeschooling which can be unfeasible for some, then it makes the decision somewhat difficult. But we do the best we can. If the teacher does not “flaunt” her lifestyle, nor encourage children to disregard Catholic teaching, it is possible the children will never even know. Thus, the situation – while certainly not ideal – may still be the best option.

The most important thing is to be a witness ourselves of the Catholic faith for our children. That will influence our children far more than a questionable teacher here and there.
 
Because of hiring laws in most States, Catholic schools do not have the right to insist that all teachers, aides, gym coaches, etc be Catholic. I know! I was shocked too! But that would be considered discrimination. What’s worse is that even those who define themselves as Catholic teachers might only attend Mass for special occassions and might not be well versed in Catholicism.

My child is in 2nd grade at Catholic school. I went into it knowing the influences on the Faith might be tested. It is something she and I talk about together so that someone else who might be weak in the Faith isn’t giving my kid wrong info. Most of the other families don’t know enough to question what is being taught. Most families don’t attend Mass weekly because they think it is the school’s job to bring their kids up in the Faith. It’s a shame, but it seems to be the best we have for right now.

I know at my kid’s school, the idea is that an issue isn’t an issue until it gives scandal. If this teacher’s situation is public enough that you know about it (and presumably others do too), then go once again to the Principal and politely let him/her know you are serious and going to keep taking the issue higher until something is done. Then go to the Pastor. Then if there still is no resolution, go to your Bishop.

Because it is a private school, you don’t have a lot of “rights” as you would in public school. But you do have an obligation to defend the Faith and you do have options that can include transferring to another Catholic school.

I would think the argument would be that no one is a sinner for being homosexual – it’s only if they act on it. Even her living with another woman might not be enough evidence of scandal – they could be roommates sharing an apartment or whatever. But if you’ve seen this person acting in a way that is not in line with our Faith, then you have reason to ask that she not be influencing children at the school as a teacher.

Good luck! I’ll keep you in my prayers.
 
pmuncy said:
It has recently been discovered that a teacher at the Catholic school my children attend is involved in a domestic partnership with another woman. She is a new teacher and been there about a month. It has been brought to the attention of the principal and the superintendent, it is being looked into. Does anyone know what my rights are? I believe that every teacher in a Catholic school is a catechist and is responsible for teaching the faith to our kids. I have put my children in a Catholic school to protect them from certain influences.
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Wait for the results of the inquiry, if it proves to be fact, she/he should be removed. If not you can remove your children, and you can go to the Bishop with your proof and concerns. God bless, and peace, Carlan
 
Suslar said:
Because of hiring laws in most States, Catholic schools do not have the right to insist that all teachers, aides, gym coaches, etc be Catholic. I know! I was shocked too! But that would be considered discrimination. What’s worse is that even those who define themselves as Catholic teachers might only attend Mass for special occassions and might not be well versed in Catholicism.

My child is in 2nd grade at Catholic school. I went into it knowing the influences on the Faith might be tested. It is something she and I talk about together so that someone else who might be weak in the Faith isn’t giving my kid wrong info. Most of the other families don’t know enough to question what is being taught. Most families don’t attend Mass weekly because they think it is the school’s job to bring their kids up in the Faith. It’s a shame, but it seems to be the best we have for right now.

I know at my kid’s school, the idea is that an issue isn’t an issue until it gives scandal. If this teacher’s situation is public enough that you know about it (and presumably others do too), then go once again to the Principal and politely let him/her know you are serious and going to keep taking the issue higher until something is done. Then go to the Pastor. Then if there still is no resolution, go to your Bishop.

Because it is a private school, you don’t have a lot of “rights” as you would in public school. But you do have an obligation to defend the Faith and you do have options that can include transferring to another Catholic school.

I would think the argument would be that no one is a sinner for being homosexual – it’s only if they act on it. Even her living with another woman might not be enough evidence of scandal – they could be roommates sharing an apartment or whatever. But if you’ve seen this person acting in a way that is not in line with our Faith, then you have reason to ask that she not be influencing children at the school as a teacher.

Good luck! I’ll keep you in my prayers.
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Agreed, she could be in a domestic partnership for reasons other than being a homosexual couple
 
Dakota_Roberts said:
Agreed, she could be in a domestic partnership for reasons other than being a homosexual couple
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How do you KNOW she is in a domestic partnership?
How does the OP KNOW with certainly that is what is going on? re people gossiping about this teacher or has someone violated her rights to privacy? It’s a slippery slope to make assumptions. . . . .
 
If true, she needs to be dismissed and you need to make noise about it if not.
 
buffalo said:
If true, she needs to be dismissed and you need to make noise about it if not.
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IF TRUE. Some mighty important words there. You had better have FACTS and not just rumors or gossip. Otherwise, you are guilty of slander and lies.
 
What if there was a heterosexual teacher who lived with a man she wasn’t married to? Would THAT be a big enough problem that the school would either have to fire her or you would remove your kids?

Just curious.
 
buffalo said:
The principal needs to ask her right out.
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…In which case she’d have every right to say “who I live with and what type of relationship I have with them is really none of your business.”

If she got fired for not wanting to give out that information, she could very easily sue the school - and with good reason.
 
Debora123 said:
…In which case she’d have every right to say “who I live with and what type of relationship I have with them is really none of your business.”

If she got fired for not wanting to give out that information, she could very easily sue the school - and with good reason.
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Uh no - Catholic Schools can fire and hire at will. In addition many of the teachers sign contracts that has conduct clauses.
 
Debora123 said:
What if there was a heterosexual teacher who lived with a man she wasn’t married to? Would THAT be a big enough problem that the school would either have to fire her or you would remove your kids?

Just curious.
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Answered in post #12.
 
Debora123 said:
What if there was a heterosexual teacher who lived with a man she wasn’t married to? Would THAT be a big enough problem that the school would either have to fire her or you would remove your kids?

Just curious.
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Depends . . is the man her brother?
It is not right to make assumptions about people.
 
The proof was all over a popular social media website, her nor her partners profile was set to private and there were pictures, language and conversations that prove it. The proof was printed and sent to the principal and superintendent. They asked her outright and she denied it and now the teacher and her “friend’s” profiles are set to private. This is not a witch hunt, she is a really nice girl. I don’t have a problem with her, I have a problem that she is a teacher in a Catholic School. Today, I heard there isn’t anything they can do.
 
buffalo said:
Uh no - Catholic Schools can fire and hire at will. In addition many of the teachers sign contracts that has conduct clauses.
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Really? So the law doesn’t apply to Catholic schools?

I can see it being legal if there was a contract with conduct clauses that was very specific to include something like this, but I’m willing to bet there wasn’t one. Especially because it seems she would never have taken the job if this were the case.
 
Debora123 said:
No, the man is her boyfriend. This is a hypothetical question.
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If I was spending my child to a catholic school, and they’re teachers weren’t living a Catholic lifestyle to the best of their ability, then yes, this would be just as big of a deal… same as if it were a married couple using ABC, etc.

This is part of the reason that me and my wife will be homeschooling our children… as it seems you can’t even trust many catholic schools to give a solid catholic foundation. Though the school connected to our church is amazing, but way to pricey for us as of right now.
 
Debora123 said:
Really? So the law doesn’t apply to Catholic schools?

I can see it being legal if there was a contract with conduct clauses that was very specific to include something like this, but I’m willing to bet there wasn’t one. Especially because it seems she would never have taken the job if this were the case.
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A catholic school is a private/religious institution… so they have the right to “discriminate” as you call it as they see fit… it would be no different than refusing to ordain an active homosexual…
 
cathlicconvert said:
If I was spending my child to a catholic school, and they’re teachers weren’t living a Catholic lifestyle to the best of their ability, then yes, this would be just as big of a deal… same as if it were a married couple using ABC, etc.

This is part of the reason that me and my wife will be homeschooling our children… as it seems you can’t even trust many catholic schools to give a solid catholic foundation. Though the school connected to our church is amazing, but way to pricey for us as of right now.
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I honestly don’t see what the big deal is, but to each their own I guess.

I mean, I went to a Catholic school and I’m sure there were teachers there who were sinners (just like gasp ALL of us!), but no one would ever know because they didn’t talk about their personal lives or give their opinions on morals. The religion teachers taught religion class the same way you’d teach all other classes - they followed the curriculum, and taught according to whatever the religion book said. So I see no problem whatsoever.

🤷

But I agree, if people are going to be this picky, it is better to homeschool.
 
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