Over 100 Protesters Rally to Reinstate Michael Califano After Alleged Unjust Dismissal

An LGBT+ teacher in Long Island is claiming he was dismissed from his position at a Catholic school due to his sexual orientation, sparking outrage and support from parents, students, and colleagues. Michael Califano, a third-grade teacher at Maria Regina Catholic School in Seaford, New York, says he was fired after someone sent photos of him and his boyfriend to the local Catholic diocese.

In response to his dismissal, more than 100 supporters gathered outside St Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Friday, calling for Califano’s reinstatement, while a petition urging the school to bring him back garnered over 5,000 signatures. The petition’s organiser, Karen Greenwood, praised Califano as a “beloved and dedicated educator” who was wrongfully dismissed based on his sexuality. Greenwood also pointed out that the school was aware of Califano’s sexual orientation when they hired him.

The controversy unfolded after photos from Califano’s boyfriend’s social media were reportedly sent to the church authorities. The images, which Califano maintains were not inappropriate, prompted a chain of events that led to his termination. Despite his privacy settings, Califano’s boyfriend’s account remained accessible, which led to the photos being circulated.

The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre responded by stating it could not comment on personnel matters for privacy reasons but denied that Califano’s sexuality was the reason for his dismissal. The school’s principal, Matthew Scannapieco, referred all inquiries to the diocese, and as of Friday, Califano’s name remained listed on the school’s staff page.

Califano himself has expressed confusion about the situation, claiming that he never violated the school’s guidelines and believed he had acted within the rules. Known locally for his work with his late father’s memorial breakfast and for helping students in need, Califano has deep ties to the school and its community. His father, a Nassau County police officer, was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2011.

Support for Califano has continued to grow, with the Nassau County Police Benefit Association joining the rally, and about 1,000 people forming a Facebook group in solidarity. One parent on TikTok, a police officer, even vowed to withdraw his child from the school unless the situation is resolved in Califano’s favour.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church’s teachings and the evolving attitudes towards LGBT+ rights. While Pope Francis has shown more acceptance towards civil rights for same-sex couples, the Church still holds traditional views on homosexuality, considering same-sex relations sinful, and opposes gay marriage.

As this situation develops, questions continue to arise about the extent to which Catholic institutions can balance their religious beliefs with broader societal changes in attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals.