If you post to social media your life is an open book. That’s what a Seaford Long Island teacher found out when his employment at the Maria Regina School was terminated.
Photos on Instagram of third-grade teacher Michael Califano kissing his boyfriend were anonymously sent to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, which runs the school. They started an investigation and terminated his employment on December 27.
“The only reason I was given was I had violated a handbook policy, in which I was not living a Catholic lifestyle,” Califano told Patch.
When asked to comment, Sean Dolan, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Rockville Centre said in a statement: “For privacy reasons, we do not comment publicly on personnel matters, but we can say that the school did not end Mr. Califano’s employment over his sexuality.”
While the Diocese thought fit to fire Califano over his “lifestyle,” others from the community, some the parents of his students, stood by him. Indeed, protests broke out in which parents and children made sure the Diocese knew that they did not agree with their decision.
“Although the circumstances are unfortunate, I am glad to see that I was doing the job that I felt I had to do for my students,” he said. “The endless support that the parents have been giving me, and continue to give to me, is unbelievable.”
A Change.org petition received more than 11,000 signatures.
Califano consulted Attorney Joseph Milizio about his case though he did not retain him at this time.
Milizio, representing the law firm Vishnick McGovern Milizio based in Lake Success, stated, “Michael was terminated as a result of not behaving as a Christian employee is expected to behave”.
The crucial question is, with separation of Church and State and non-discriminatory laws clear on the subject, can a Catholic Church fire an employee based on what is loosely defined as a “Catholic lifestyle’?
“From my perspective that is outright discrimination against the gay community and it’s employment discrimination as well.”
Califano looks toward legal action, no doubt a lawsuit is in the works, but for the time being he would like to simply continue to do his job at Maria Regina.
“I’ve had extremely positive experiences there and I just want to continue that,” he said.
