Unsupportive Schools

Catholic schools in Seattle – unsupportive of LGBTQ individuals

Around the world, LGBTQ individuals are discriminated against on a day-to-day basis; in both their private lives and professional lives. One of the biggest issues that these individuals face is discrimination by their peers, coworkers, or management which prevents them from self-expression and stability in the workplace. According to Susan Miller, “About half of LGBTQ people in the U.S. – 52% – live in states where they could be fired, nixed for a promotion, refused training or harassed at their jobs, all because of their gender identity and sexual orientation” (Miller, 2019). One case of this discrimination in the workplace has recently occurred between two schoolteachers, recently employed by a Catholic school in Seattle, Washington.

The school issued a statement stating that “two teachers, Paul Danforth and Michelle Beattie have voluntarily resigned from their positions”; however, a council member issued a statement stating that the teachers were forced out, “solely because they were gay” (Madani, 2020). Due to their personal and private relationships, these two teachers were fired from their positions and exploited for their freedom of choice and love. A second council member, Joe McDermott, stated that the school forced their resignations, which in turn is sending the message to students “that being LGBTQ is wrong” (Madani, 2020). McDermott reflects that during his time growing up Catholic, he received damaging messages on what the Church believed should or shouldn’t be allowed. This mindset prevented him from being comfortable to come out himself, until his 30s.

These individuals are a small group present within a larger population that receives discrimination in the workplace based on actions and choices they should be given the right to. Naomi Goldberg, policy research director for the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), states that are minimal explicit laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from being fired for who they are or who they love (Miller, 2019). Only 21 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have laws on the books that ban bias and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

What can be done moving forward?

In order to make individuals in their workplace feel comfortable and respected, there needs to be a shift in focus towards laws and policies implemented that protect and defends LGBTQ individuals, their identities, and their relationships. These individuals should be offered and allowed the same rules as heterosexuals in the workplace. Currently, there are 280 cities and ordinances that ban discrimination in the workplace; however, there is always a need for improvement (Miller, 2019). If more laws and policies are enforced that hold companies accountable for the way they treat their employees, this could be a huge milestone for individuals who have face or continue to face discrimination in their workplace. These small milestones are not to be disregarded as any achievement is a step forward in the fight for LGBTQ rights.

Until next time,

Shayla Bannert

Resources:

Madani, D. (2020, February 16). Seattle-area teachers reported fired for being gay; Catholic school says they resigned. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/outcry-seattle-teachers-were-fired-being-gay-catholic-school-says-n1137546

Miller, S. (2019, October 8). 'Shocking' numbers: Half of LGBTQ adults live in states where no laws ban job discrimination. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/08/lgbt-employment-discrimination-half-of-states-offer-no-protections/3837244002/