We stand with Catholic students in Colorado. Rehire their unjustly fired teachers now!
Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado
On December 22 -- just three days before Christmas -- Regis Jesuit High School near Denver fired two faculty members for allowing a student to publish a pro-choice essay in the school newspaper.
The teachers, Maria Lynch and Nicole Aduini, were blindsided. Only six days before their termination, the school's principal had actually thanked them in writing for their work in publishing the issue, which the school has since retracted.
Silencing students and firing teachers is neither "pro-life" nor a Christian response to disagreement. As Lynch -- who describes herself as a "pro-life advocate" -- told the National Catholic Reporter, "Our students have tough questions, need to have the freedom to express them, and deserve open and frank discussions that can help them understand why the church teaches what she does."
When Lynch requested a meeting with Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila, she was told he did not have the time, even though he is speaking publicly about the incident. The archbishop is widely known as a conservative culture warrior who opposes giving Communion to pro-choice Catholic lawmakers like President Biden.
A few weeks ago, several dozen Regis Jesuit students walked out of school in protest. Add your name to stand in solidarity with them and to urge the school to reinstate the fired teachers.
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To:
Regis Jesuit High School, Aurora, Colorado
From:
[Your Name]
Silencing a student's voice and firing teachers is neither a pro-life nor a Christian response to ideas expressed in an opinion essay. We urge you to reinstate Maria Lynch and Nicole Arduini as faculty journalism advisers and publish the student's essay.
Catholic students live in a diverse society. Education should help develop critical thinking skills and the ability to engage with others who hold opposing positions. By removing a female student's pro-choice essay from the school's student magazine and firing two teachers, you have sent a message that debate and discussion about abortion will not be tolerated.
A student magazine is a venue where Catholic schools can model the civic virtues needed in a democracy. As fired teacher Maria Lynch, who describes herself as a "pro-life advocate," told the National Catholic Reporter, "Our students have tough questions, need to have the freedom to express them, and deserve open and frank discussions that can help them understand why the church teaches what she does."
Most Catholics oppose criminalizing abortion. Censoring a student for expressing a personal view held by many people of faith and firing two teachers for supporting her are extreme reactions that only associate the anti-abortion movement in the Catholic Church with fear and intimidation.
Thank you.