Parents Raise Thousands For Catholic Teacher Fired Because She's Gay

A former Colorado school teacher is receiving an outpouring of support online after she was fired from her teaching position because school administrators discovered she was in a relationship with another woman.

In a phone call on January 25, Maggie Barton was told that the Archdiocese of Denver had obtained a photo of her kissing another woman, the Denver Post reports.

According to the All Souls Catholic School principal, Barton would be contacted by the Archdiocese and placed on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Her employment was terminated the following day.

She worked at the K through 8 school as a technology teacher and a media specialist for six years.

The Archdiocese of Denver released a statement that claimed that public reporting around Barton’s firing was inaccurate.

All teachers in schools within the Archdiocese must sign a contract every year affirming that they will refrain “from taking any public position or conducting himself or herself in a manner that is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church,” according to the statement.

“In this case, the school was made aware that one of their teachers is in a same-sex relationship, and after discussing this with the teacher, learned that she intends to persist in violating the standards she previously agreed to uphold,” the statement reads. “An employee who violates any of the terms of their employment agreement knows from the outset of their work that they can’t remain employed at the school.”

Trending stories

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

​6 lesbian films coming we can't wait to see in 2025

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Watch Kelly Clarkson celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on her show

Trans Day of Visibility meets MAGA? See this 'Drag Race' star's fierce stunt

Country star Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

Elton John broke down crying while writing new song 'about my death'

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

The document states that the fact that she had a same-sex attraction was not itself cause for termination. However, continuing the relationship violated the terms of her employment agreement, the Archdiocese wrote.

The statement concludes, “Catholic teaching on sexual identity, marriage, family, and parenting are inseparable from the way we choose to live and interact. These teachings allow us to fully comprehend how to love God and neighbor. We believe that sexual expression contributes to human flourishing as it is integrated with a view toward its natural ends: faithful, covenantal love between a man and a woman, and a self-gift ordered toward procreation and joyful unity between spouses. Someone persisting in a lifestyle contrary to these views will find it difficult to teach them to our students.”

Barton attended Catholic schools in Texas as a child, Colorado Public Radio reports.

During her first year at St. Edward’s University in Austin, she came out to her family and friends and has lived as an out queer woman. She says that in addition to her regular attendance at mass and the sum of her experiences inspired her to work in a Catholic school.

“It’s just the idea of love and community within Catholic schools is something that is very familiar to me. It’s what I’ve known my whole life,” Barton told the station. “I was drawn to that because it’s something that I have known and loved.”

She accepted the All Souls position in 2017 and moved to Colorado. As she looks for new work, the community at All Souls has been very supportive. Some parents of students at the school have even set up a GoFundMe to help her with her job search expenses.

www.gofundme.com

“This site was set up by a parent who knows so many want to show Ms. Barton support. They want to help Maggie in some small way so that finances are not causing stress at this time in her life,” wrote the fundraiser’s creator. “We’re hoping to help bridge the gap till Ms. Barton finds the next step in her career.”

The goal was set at $1, but at the time of publication, the verified fundraiser has earned more than $23,000.

(Image above: The group of Catholic leaders that comprises the Archdiocese that fired the teacher.)