High School Athletic Director Loses Job After Gay Marriage

The following is an excerpt from a story by The Republican:

“The athletic director at Cathedral High School lost her job this week, saying she was pressured to leave after marrying her female partner in August.

“Christine M. Judd, who served as athletic director and dean of students, said she is no longer an employee of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield school system after a meeting Wednesday with administrators of the Catholic high school.

“The diocese listed her departure as a resignation, but Judd said she is still exploring her legal options.

“’I was given a choice of termination or resignation,’ Judd said. ‘I’m hurt, but I wish nothing but the best for Cathedral, its students, the parents, the athletic teams, administration and faculty. I bleed purple (the school’s color).’

“Judd, a Springfield resident, worked for the Catholic school for 12 years, beginning as a science teacher in 1998. She became dean of students six years ago and was given the added duties of athletic director three years ago.

“’I married my partner this summer,’ Judd said. ‘I was hoping that my loyalty, my professionalism the last 12 years would supersede the current hypocrisy that has already been shown with the Diocese of Springfield.’

“Asked to elaborate on her claim of hypocrisy, Judd said she questions if there are lay persons who work for the Catholic diocese who divorce and remarry without an annulment, or employees who use birth control, or men who have had vasectomies, or individuals who are pro-choice on abortion.

“Same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts in 2004.

“Mark E. Dupont, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, said Judd did resign, but declined to respond to Judd’s comments, or on the issue of her marriage in August.

“…She said state law gives her the right to same-sex marriage, but it is not allowed under diocesan policy, leading to her job loss.

“’Cathedral had nothing to do with this,’ Judd said. ‘This was a diocesan decision. In the end, the timing of this issue really affects the kids. That is where it has the most effect.’

“Cathedral’s website describes Judd as ‘one of the key members of the faculty and staff who serve as positive role models for the students.’

“…Judd said her decision to leave the school followed a meeting with the school principal, John Miller, and the business director.

‘Without being specific to this matter, it should be clear that all employees of our Catholic schools are made aware of our policies and regulations,’ Dupont said. ‘This includes language that clearly states that whenever by public example, an employee engages in or espouses conduct which contravenes the doctrine and teaching of the Catholic Church, that employee may be subject to disciplinary action. To do otherwise would be in contradiction to the values we believe in and are teaching in these same schools. So while we certainly want to be compassionate and understanding, we must be true to who we are.’

“’We are certainly thankful to Ms Judd for her past service at Cathedral High School and wish her the best in the future,’ Dupont said.”

Read the full The Republican story >>

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