Louisiana Teacher Fired After Parent Discovers His Late Husband’s Obituary
Louisiana Teacher Fired Over Sexual Orientation and Marriage Support
A music teacher at a Catholic school in Louisiana was dismissed after a parent uncovered his husband’s obituary and accused him of violating the school’s morality clause. Mark Richards, who taught at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Metairie for over two decades, stated he was blindsided by the termination.
Richards explained that the school knew he was married to a man and had no issues until a complaint arose in May. He believes the school’s administration was aware of his sexual orientation and marriage, yet chose to dismiss him based on a morality clause that prohibits “actively engaging in homosexual activity” among other behaviors.
The controversy sparked when a parent reported the obituary of Richards’ husband, John Messinger, to the Archdiocese, accusing Richards of lying about his personal life. Richards married Messinger in 2014; the couple remained together until Messinger’s death from a heart attack in 2023.
Richards contended that his conduct has been consistent with his contract, stating, “I have not lied on my contracts for the last two years, I live with three dogs.” He argued that if he were female, this issue might not have arisen, expressing frustration over what he perceives as discrimination based on his sexuality.
Following the termination, St. Francis Xavier sent an email to parents confirming Richards would not return for the upcoming school year, citing “great respect” for their feelings but without providing further details. The school emphasized that contracts are issued on a yearly basis and declined to comment further.
The incident has prompted over 1,500 parents to sign a petition demanding the removal of the religion-based morality clause that restricts teachers’ personal lives, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ identities. Critics argue that such clauses unfairly target teachers based on their sexual orientation and personal choices.
Richards expressed hope for change, saying, “I would like the line regarding homosexuality in the morality clause that educators sign to be removed. Your identity is not your morality.”