St. Mary's SCCS/Toledo Diocese: Give Brian Panetta his job back. Reinstate Brian Panetta as band and choir director.

Petition Closed

This petition had 1,084 supporters

The Issue

Sandusky Central Catholic School forced its band and choir director to resign this week, shortly after officials learned he and his boyfriend recently became engaged to be married. Brian Panetta, who is in his fifth year of employment with the district, initially received a letter of termination Jan. 3, which stated he was fired for violating the moral and religious teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Decision Makers

Sally Oberski
Director of Communications/ Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Responded
“What your petitions fails to mention is that Brian Panetta signed a contract when he was hired as a teacher-minister agreeing " to act and speak in a way that supports the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings. I understand that serious actions contrary to the Church's teachings (including but not limited to publicly living together outside marriage, public support of abortion, public support or use of a surrogate, public use or support of in vitro fertilization or flagrant deceit or dishonesty) will not be tolerated." By signing this contract "I acknowledge that I have read and understand this contract in its entirety. I understand that any violation of any section of this contract may result in termination of this contract and employment immediately."”
Christopher Knight
Superintendent/ Catholic Diocese of Toledo

Petition Updates