A Louisiana Catholic school teacher says he was blindsided after being fired over his sexuality—all because a parent found his late husband’s obituary.
Mark Richards, who worked at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Metairie for over 20 years, claims that school administrators dismissed him after a parent reported his husband’s obituary to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. That same parent allegedly accused Richards of “lying” about his personal life and violating the school’s morality clause“This was a stab in the back,” Richards said. “I loved my job. I loved teaching those kids,” the New York Post reported.
School Allegedly Knew About His Marriage for Years
Richards says the administration knew he was gay and married for years and had no issue—until a complaint was filed. In fact, he says the school had full awareness of his life and relationship.
“Because I had signed 20 years of contracts with the morality clause that I had lied on my contracts, that was the reason for my dismissal,” he explained. “I have not lied on my contracts for the last two years. I live with three dogs.”
He married his husband in 2014, and the couple remained together until his husband tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2023.
Parents and Community Push Back — Petition Demands Change
After word got out that Richards would not return to the classroom, over 1,500 parents and community members signed a petition calling for the school to revise its “morality clause.” Many are demanding transparency, compassion, and fairness when it comes to evaluating teachers’ personal lives.
The clause is a common feature in Catholic school contracts, which asks employees to align their private lives with church teachings. However, critics argue the policy is vague, discriminatory, and weaponized against LGBTQ+ staff.
Archdiocese Hasn’t Responded to Petition
So far, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has not issued a formal response regarding Richards’ firing or the growing calls to update the morality clause.