Michael Califano, a former third-grade educator at Maria Regina Catholic School in Seaford, New York, alleges that his employment was terminated due to his failure to adhere to a “Catholic lifestyle”. It was his dismissal that ensued after church authorities were provided with photographic evidence of his romantic involvement with his boyfriend, resulting in his termination on Wednesday.
In response, a gathering of over 100 parents, students, and staff members congregated outside St Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre to demand Califano’s reinstatement. Moreover, a petition boasting over 5,000 signatures was presented in solidarity with the esteemed and dedicated teacher.
The author of the petition, Karen Greenwood, contends that Califano was unjustly relieved of duty on the grounds of his sexual orientation, despite the purported foreknowledge of the school’s administrators upon his recruitment. She further asserts that the decision to dismiss him was made by the local Catholic diocese, contrary to the school administration’s wishes.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre’s spokesperson declined to make public comments on the personnel matter, citing privacy concerns. Similarly, the school’s principal refrained from making any statements and directed inquiries to the diocese.
As of Friday, Califano still appeared on the school’s website as a teacher, despite the swirling controversy surrounding his departure.
Califano has made no immediate response to requests for comment. Nevertheless, he continues to maintain that he did not breach any of the school’s regulations. He is a celebrated figure in his community for his involvement in the coordination of an annual memorial breakfast and raffle, which supports scholarships for underprivileged students.
The predicament began when images of Califano with his boyfriend, culled from social media, were brought to the attention of the diocese. However, Greenwood has underscored that these photographs were entirely innocuous and had been retrieved from his boyfriend’s social media profile, as Califano’s account had been set to private at the behest of the diocese.
The matter has attracted substantial attention, with the Nassau County Police Benefit Association and approximately 1,000 individuals voicing their support for Califano. Moreover, a local parent took to TikTok to express his reservations, indicating his intent to withdraw his son from the school if the issue with the bishop was not resolved.
Notwithstanding the Catholic Church’s historical stance on homosexuality, current leader Pope Francis has advocated for visitation and inheritance rights for gay civil partners, while criticising laws that criminalise homosexual conduct. Nonetheless, the Church continues to oppose gay marriage and officially deems same-sex relationships as sinful.
Ultimately, this situation has received widespread coverage and ignited discussions about the treatment of individuals within the LGBT+ community by religious institutions.
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