A music teacher from a Catholic school in Louisiana has alleged that she was terminated after her parents found the obituary of her deceased husband, leading them to accuse her of breaching the school’s moral guidelines.
Mark Richards, who had dedicated over two decades to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Metairie, described the situation as feeling like “a stab wound in the back.” He expressed his disappointment, saying that it’s devastating to think this is the reality we live in now. Teaching at that school and being with those kids was something he truly cherished.
Reports indicate that parents raised concerns about the obituary of Richards’ late spouse, John Messinger, to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. They alleged that school staff had “lied” about his personal life and relationship status.
Richards stated that school administrators were aware of his marriage to another man and that there had been no issues until a complaint arose in May.
“I had signed a 20-year contract which included a moral clause that I feel was misrepresented,” he mentioned. He insisted that he had been truthful regarding his situation for the past couple of years, living with three dogs.
The moral clause reportedly prohibits “actively engaging in homosexual activities,” along with stipulations regarding abortion and childbirth in specific circumstances, as noted in documents obtained by local news. Richards pondered that if John had been a woman, the entire situation would likely be different.
Richards and Messinger were united in marriage in 2014 and remained together until Messinger passed away in 2023 due to a heart attack.
According to WDSU News, St. Francis Xavier informed the parents that Richards would not be returning for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The email to parents acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances of the announcement and expressed respect for the feelings involved. The administration added that contracts for faculty and administrators are not guaranteed beyond one year but stated they wouldn’t comment further.
The Catholic school’s mission emphasizes fostering an environment where Christian values influence all facets of education, targeting spiritual and moral growth among students.
In response to Richards’ dismissal, over 1,500 parents have signed petitions advocating for changes to these moral clauses, showing their backing for Richards. Parent Katherine Lee remarked that identity shouldn’t define morality, expressing a desire for a reevaluation of the moral standards educators are expected to uphold.
