A teacher has been fired from her job at a Catholic school just days after marrying her female partner.
Grade 1 teacher Jocelyn Morffi was sacked from Saints Peter and Paul school in Miami, Florida last week.
Morffi wrote on her social media accounts: “This weekend I married the love of my life and unfortunately I was terminated from my job as a result.
“In their eyes I’m not the right kind of Catholic for my choice in partner.”
In a letter to parents, Principal Carlota Morales said the sacking was “difficult and necessary” but did not offer an explanation, according to the Miami Herald.
About 20 parents gathered at the school on Friday morning to protest and demand an answer.
One parent who has a child in Morffi’s class, told the Herald: “We were extremely livid. They treated her like a criminal, they didn’t even let her get her things out of her classroom.
“Our only concern was the way she was with our children, the way she taught our children and this woman by far was one of the best teachers out there.
“You know, to be a Catholic, you’re taught to be forgiving. But if you’re gay, forget about it.”
Archdiocese of Miami spokesperson confirmed to the publication that Morffi had been fired, but would not elaborate on the reasons except to say that the teacher had broken her contract.
The spokersperson said it was against the archdiocese’s policy to discuss personnel matters.
“As a teacher in a Catholic school their responsibility is partly for the spiritual growth of the children,” they said.
“One has to understand that in any corporation, institution or organization there are policies and procedures and teachings and traditions that are adhered to.
“If something along the way does not continue to stay within that contract, then we have no other choice.”
