A former teacher in Colorado has received widespread support after being terminated from her job at a Catholic school for being in a same-sex relationship. Maggie Barton, who had worked as a technology and media specialist teacher at All Souls Catholic School for six years, was informed on January 25th that her employment was being terminated following an investigation by the Archdiocese of Denver. The school had obtained a photo of her kissing another woman, which led to the investigation and ultimate termination.
According to the Archdiocese, all teachers in their schools must sign a contract each year that requires them to refrain from “conducting himself or herself in a manner that is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church”. The Archdiocese’s statement claims that the fact that she had a same-sex attraction was not the cause of her termination, but rather, continuing the relationship violated the terms of her employment agreement.
Despite the Archdiocese’s stance, the community at All Souls has rallied around Barton, with parents setting up a GoFundMe to help with her job search expenses. Barton, who attended Catholic schools as a child in Texas, has said that she was drawn to work at a Catholic school because of the love and community she experienced there.