News Summary
Mark Richards, a music teacher at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, was terminated after a parent’s complaint regarding his same-sex marriage. The decision, attributed to a moral clause in his contract, has sparked outrage among the school community, leading to a petition and calls for change in the enforcement of such clauses. Richards had been a dedicated educator since 2003 and faced challenges following the loss of his husband, raising broader questions about inclusivity in Catholic schools.
Metairie, Louisiana: Catholic School Teacher Mark Richards Fired After Parent Complaints About Same-Sex Marriage Violation
Mark Richards, a music teacher and band director at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Metairie, Louisiana, was terminated on June 25, 2025, following complaints from a parent regarding his same-sex marriage. The complaint stemmed from an obituary for his late husband, John Messinger, which listed Richards as the surviving spouse.
The school administration alleged that Richards violated the “morality clause” in his employment contract, which prohibits support or engagement in same-sex marriage. This morality clause is a common provision in contracts for Catholic school educators, intended to align staff conduct with Catholic teachings.
Richards had been with St. Francis Xavier since 2003, playing a crucial role in establishing a successful band program. Despite the school’s claim, it was revealed that administrators had previously been aware of Richards’ marriage but took no action until the parental complaint was raised.
Support and Community Reaction
The termination of Richards has sparked significant backlash among students, parents, and alumni, leading to the creation of a petition that has already collected nearly 1,500 signatures in support of the teacher. Many supporters describe Richards as a “beacon of kindness” within the school community and believe the decision to fire him was unjust.
In a letter to parents, school officials confirmed that Richards’ employment would not be renewed and stated that the decision was final and would not be reconsidered. Despite the controversy, the school declined further comment on the specifics of the situation.
Background and Context
Richards’ husband, John Messinger, passed away in September 2023 after 22 years together. Following Messinger’s death, the publication of the obituary detailing their relationship led to the complaint that culminated in Richards’ firing. Richards expressed feelings of betrayal and hurt over the decision, asserting that he had not breached the morality clause during his time at the school.
Many parents have voiced concerns over the morality clause, suggesting that it may infringe upon human rights and calling for changes to make it more inclusive. As the Archdiocese of New Orleans is known for strictly enforcing morality clauses, especially regarding issues of sexual orientation, this incident has reopened discussions among the parent community regarding the need for change.
While the Catholic Church does not recognize same-sex marriages, there has been some movement towards inclusivity. In 2023, Pope Francis issued guidance that allowed churches to bless certain same-sex partnerships, indicating a potential shift in how the church might address these issues moving forward.
Richards remains hopeful for progress in acceptance within educational environments and has urged other young LGBTQ teachers to be courageous. With a strong show of support from the St. Francis Xavier community, the situation reflects broader societal discussions surrounding inclusivity and the evolving interpretation of morality within educational and religious institutions.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: New Orleans Gay Music Teacher Out of Job
- The Guardian: New Orleans Teacher Widower Mark Jacobs Catholic School
- NOLA: Catholic School in Metairie Fires Gay Music Teacher
- Google Search: Same-Sex Marriage Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Morality Clause in Employment
