Maggie Barton who is a teacher at a Catholic school in Colorado was fired after officials found out she was in a relationship with a woman. She lost her job after a photo of her kissing her girlfriend was posted.
The gay teacher was fired from her job at a Catholic school by the archdiocese, following an investigation by the Archdiocese of Denver.
Colorado diocese defends decision because she broke her contract and ‘promise to parents’.
Barton in her defense said that she has been living openly as an LGBTQ+ person for years.
As per the interview she gave to Fox31, she came out to her family during her freshman year at St. Edward’s University in Austin.
However, she adds, she has been careful not to post any images of herself on social media. She is passionate about teaching and joined All Souls in 2017.
Maggie Barton taught technology and media – and also coached basketball – at All Souls Catholic School in Englewood, Denver, for six years before she was sacked for breaking her contract and her ‘promise to parents’ on January 25.
The religious leaders – headed by Bishop Samuel J. Aquila – justified their actions, saying that all teachers are required to sign a contract ensuring that they will live their lives adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The school’s action of firing Barton for her sexual orientation is causing outrage on social media.
In the wake of her dismissal, the parent of a student, Kathy Weisbrod, set up a GoFundMe page to help her make ends meet. At the time of writing, the page has raised over $25,000.
Subsequently, the School has passed a statement in its defense. The All Souls Catholic School of Eaglewood, Colorado has said, ‘all teachers are expected to sign a contract assuring that they will live their lives in conformity with Catholic Church beliefs.’