By Moni Basu, CNN
(CNN) – Mark Krolikowski has shoulder-length brown hair. He likes to wear multiple earrings and French manicure his nails. Students call him Mr. K.
Krolikowski, 59, taught for 32 years at St. Francis Preparatory School, a 150-year-old Catholic institution in Queens, New York.
Until August. That's when the school laid him off.
He alleges that he was discriminated against because he is transgender and that the school's attitude toward him changed in the eight months after he came out.
He recently filed a lawsuit saying the school and its principal, Leonard Conway, broke the law with his termination and that as a result, Krolikowski has been distressed.
"Teaching - it's my life," Krolikowski said Friday. "I feel that has been taken away from me."
His lawyer Andrew Kimler said Krolikowski's case has "significant ramifications for the LGBT community and is a wakeup call to employers in terms of employment practices."
Conway would not comment but referred questions to his lawyer, Philip C. Semprevivo Jr.
Semprevivo said he could not discuss details of the case since it was in litigation but said Krolikowski was terminated legally.
"We deny all the allegations," he said.
In the meantime, former students of St. Francis launched an online petition that describes Krolikowski as a beloved and well-respected teacher and urges the school to apologize.
Cristina Guarino, who started the petition on Change.org, said Krolikowski always had a "feminine edge," though it was nothing shocking. Some students speculated on his sexuality and wondered whether he was gay.
"I really never questioned his gender identity despite his somewhat feminized looks," she said. "It just didn't seem to matter, and it never affected his teaching style or his opinions. He never imposed anything on us."
She said Krolikowski's sex education class called Human Sexuality and Love - one that he developed 15 years ago - was one of her favorites during her four years at St. Francis. Krolikowski's gender identity never was an issue in class, she said. He was the kind of teacher who told jokes and acted silly in class to make students feel more comfortable talking about sex.
"I still laugh to this day when I remember it. Mr. K was someone who brightened our lives,” Guarino said.
Krolikowski said he was overwhelmed by the show of support from his students.
"I didn't realize I touched that many people," he said. "It makes me feel that my teaching career was worthwhile."
Krolikowski began teaching at St. Francis in 1980. Aside from his regular classes, he volunteered to lead students in many extracurricular activities that included music, performance of school liturgies and an international night and graduation ceremony.
"I wore a lot of hats," he said.
His account of what happened to him is described in the lawsuit.
He says the school never questioned his abilities, loyalty or dedication to the Catholic faith. But that changed, according to him, in October 2011, when he was summoned to the principal's office to meet with Conway and Assistant Principal Patrick McLaughlin.
Krolikowski says he was informed then that a parent of a freshman student had complained about the teacher's appearance.
He admits his appearance is considered unconventional. But he said he always wore a suit and tie, and his personal grooming conformed to school standards. Former St. Francis students who have signed the petition agreed with that description.
But Krolikowski was asked to change his appearance after the complaint. That's when the teacher informed Conway and McLaughlin that he was transgender.
Krolikowski said in the lawsuit that he was then asked whether he would "appear as a woman" in the next school year and was told that he was "worse than gay." The school officials allegedly told Krolikowski that he could not be seen at public events.
The teacher wanted to remain at the school and said he would "tone down" his appearance by removing his earrings and French manicure.
He continued teaching his sexuality class and another called Social Justice that focused on people marginalized by poverty, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. He says he received straight As on his next teacher observation form.
But at the end of the school year, in June, Krolikowski was summoned back to the principal's office. He was told, he alleges, that he had been insubordinate and that he had not changed his appearance enough to satisfy the school. Conway and McLaughlin relieved him of his duties and demanded a letter of resignation, Krolikowski says.
"I was shocked," he said Friday.
The lawsuit states that Krolikowski was unlawfully discriminated against because he did not conform to the school's perception of how a male should dress and act.
"His appearance hasn't changed very much, so no one understands why this happened," Guarino said. "It wasn't an issue for 32 years. Why is it a problem now? It seemed very sudden."
The termination, the lawsuit says, violates New York state and city law.
New York state's human rights law states that an employer cannot discharge an employee because of "an individual's age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, or domestic violence victim status."
Carmelyn Malalis, an LGBT workplace lawyer with Outten & Golden LLP in New York, said the law has been used to protect transgender people.
New York City's Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in hiring and firing based on similar attributes but specifically mentions gender identity.
Krolikowski's story has made headlines. And the online petition has grown to about 3,000 signatures.
One post from David Burkard in Queens Village, New York, said this:
"We the students/alumni/ and staff of Prep are supposed to be good 'Christians' and that means not only going the extra step to be kind to others, but also that we must be accepting and loving to EVERYONE. Mr. K always spoke out about public injustices, both domestic and international, and by doing so proved to be one of the MOST 'Christian' persons I've ever met.
"You cannot just fire someone because they 'don't reflect the values you wish to instill,' when clearly they do. The act of firing Mr.K has proved to me that the establishment is quite plainly ignorant, insensitive, and most importantly hypocritical. I was once a proud Terrier, but now I can honestly say I'm ashamed."
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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Another good example of the preposterous concepts written in history's most successful grifter's manual.
He's been an exemplary and well-loved teacher for three decades, and there's only been the one alleged complaint against him.
You might try educating your kids about the real world for a change. Have you vetted all of the priest as well/
YIKES and I guess you heard that from your friendly BURNING BUSH!
The Roman Catholic church has Zeo Zip Nada to do with Christanity. If the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they tried to find a way to expel Guarina, too.
She already graduated.
Is the school private or public? If it's private and receives no taxpayer funds they can most certainly define dress codes.
It is so sad to keep reading the mean-spirited comments spewed out towards a fellow human being who has been a teacher who has contributed positively to his school and society. What a shame.
It's not hateful to respect private property. How would you like it if people you disliked started telling you how to run your home or business, and starting picking your friends and customers for you? As an LGBT ally, I'll be the first to agree that these religious nuts are bigots, but freedom of association is an inherent right that we all have. Instead of making a law that tells people how to run their lives via force, how about we boycott this private catholic school so they go out of business? Likewise, we need to continue boycotting places like Chick-Fil-A and support more secular charities.
Automagic- while a place of employment can be private property, freedom of association doesn't trump anti-discrimination edicts in the workplace.
Catholic dress codes? Are yoiu kidding? They all wear dresses and gowns!
At some point he would probably move further along the transgender continuem, to ask to be refered to as 'she' and allowed to wear women's clothes. Why not, once he 'came out' to his employers? Fact is: He choses what Christian values he will observe and not observe; and that itself, is perverting the Catholic Christian teachings.
I'm not sure the Catholic Bible has any meaningful direction on transgendered policy. It's not that modern.
I can only imagine the cognitive dissonance going on in his head. Being a gay Christian is like being a black KKK member. It doesn't make sense. Then again, believing that an imaginary bearded man in the sky created the universe 6,000 years ago doesn't make much sense itself.
U know what EL? You religious fanatics, especially Catholics are as evil and hateful as Adolf Hitler himself. You're almost as bad as Muslim fanatics. One day you will learn that all your little religions are derived on the same damn lies used to control people and your little world of hate and discrimination will fall apart. It makes me sick how often your type gets away with hate crimes because you believe its all in good faith. BURN IN HELL (If there is one that is) hahahaha
I see the Catholic church is up to its usual level of xenophobia, divisiveness, intolerance, and preaching hate. I am amazed anyone can set foot into one of their buildings and claim to be an adherent.
After reading about these pedophile rings made up of thousands of people all around the world sharing stuff on line, is it too hard to believe that the Catholic church, in total, leaders and followers, is just one giant ring?
Pedophilia is wholly different from LGBT.
Those who mention the Catholic pedophilia and subsequent cover-up are dead-on. Given the hypocrisy the top hierarchies displayed over those many, many incidents, one might assume they'd take a gentler approach going forward. Thirty two years! No student complaints (and the school likely made up the 'complaint' too.) Do you think they were terminating in "an abundance of caution?" I bet that is what they'll say in court but, unlike the many years-long cases they ineffectively sought to hide, in this one there are no aggrieved former students...there IS no 'paper trail' as it were. It's just another intrenched bureaucracy being "holier than thou."
He taught well and followed the dress code. What else needs to be said?
On top of the other crap he's had to go through his entire life, when he's 59 he gets fired from his favorite job because of an inherent personality trait which has absolutely nothing to do with his job performance, which also he had the humility to cover up just to keep his work. Every student he has had is backing him up, even students that came to comment here.
People talking crap about him need to shut their pie holes. You are disgusting swine. You're 100% normal? No ghosts in the closet? How many lives have you changed? Any? You can call this teacher "perverted" despite the fact that his students, who have been around him for months and years, do not give one single indication of this?
You are not only completely wrong with absolutely no rational basis, but you do yourself a disservice by green lighting your own stupidity in a public forum. You know nothing about the law, teaching, people, science, logic, or rudimentary common sense. You are essentially "stupid."
.....and here we have CNN's weekly "Pro-Gay" article. The People have voiced their opinion over and over. No Gay Marriage. No Gay leaders in the Boy Scouts...etc....etc....and CNN keeps plugging away at pro gay rights articles.
I'm sure there's an article about Hulk Hogan on here for you somewhere.
The postings and support from Mr K's former students say it all. Why don't the bigots, the haters and the ignorant spewing vitriol in their postings relocate to a deserted island to wear their sheets and burn crosses to their away from those trying to do something useful in our badly hurting world!
and you keep racing over to read them..over and over again.
And here we have CNN's perennial, ephemeral message board intollerants sowing their venom and bile. How I feel for those poor unfortunates who actually know you. You know, those who encounter you through happenstance, not the equally-sad members of your personal looney hearts club band.
thats the damn truth...Im so sick of hearing about non-gay organizations/religious organizations and how they are terrible devils because they dont support someone else's choice. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS SPECIFICALLY AGAINST THEIR BELIEFS! typical propaganda, if you dont agree with us you are evil. Get over yourselves.
Not to CONfuse your bigotry with the facts, but the man is TRANSGENDER, not gay, so your argument is flawed from scratch.
Congrats, you're a bigot. Live with it.
AND what people are you refering to. I believe the majority of the people have turned their backs on the bigoted few, who may are remind you – are dying off.
Sorry dude, as the older generation passes away, there will be fewer and fewer bigots that share your point of view. The tides have turned gay marriage is legal in 9 states. In Washington it passed by popular vote. But that is besides the point, mr k. Isn't gay, he's just a very feminine fellow. If the Catholic Church keeps shutting people out, they aren't going to have anyone to spread their "good news" to.
If Mr.K was more 'attractive' or younger would there still have been an issue?
so some asinine parent makes a complaint and this teacher loses his job. I can't help hoping this parent chokes. literally.
I wonder what they would have done if the parent complained about a teacher's appearance because they were too fat, or were disfigured?
oh my.
Just remember, a dental assistant was fired for being "too attractive" and it held up in court.
Creeeeeepy......
Transgender stuff confuses me. I have little experience w/ it and little details such as which pronoun to use basically cause me to freeze up. And even asking honest, respectful questions can be scary b/c there's an element out there that treats all lack of knowledge like deliberate and hateful ignorance. Don't cry for me, Argentina. At the end of the day I'm still a straight White guy in a straight White guy world...
Anyhoo, I was prepared to use that personal experience as a way of empathizing w/ the school, but after reading the article, it sounds like they not only mishandled it, but violated the law, too. It sounds like Mr. K didn't do anything differently than he had done for years and that it had never been an issue. All of a sudden there's ONE complaint and he is expected to change drastically or be fired? A far more Christian response would have been for this school to minister to the family who complained for their loving acceptance of Mr. K.
I wouldn't worry too much about making social mistakes. Just treat them like anybody else, and if you have questions, ask. If you're really worried, you could just say straight out, "Look, I'm afraid I'm going to say something stupid..." and then ask what pronoun to use. If you asked them what they wanted to be called, you don't look down on them, and you treat them like you treat anybody else, and they still get angry at you–well, that's their problem, not yours. Being a minority doesn't make you a saint.
Cross dresser at Whole Foods today., Kind of stood out at well over 6ft tall
what negative thing does having this person teach show or exhibit to children exactly ? are the boys going to go home and demand to wear nail polish and grow their hand long ? worse case scenario – what damage can be done by having this man remain at the school ?people always talk in geenral – but lets talk specifically – what is the bad lesson that a kid can learn here ?
There is, of course, as you are insinuating, nothing negative that would be taught. Indeed, if you look at the things that gays are fighting for in the courts, it is 1. Marriage – so that they can live in committed, monogamous, legally recognized relationships. 2. Family – so they can raise their children in a stable home as a couple. 3. Honor – so they can serve their country in the military.
The majority of Catholics are open-minded, educated people who are accepting of people who are different from the majority – including transgender individuals such as this teacher. That is evident by the overwhelming support of the alumni. Also, most priests and clergy are good upstanding accepting people as well. Unfortunately a few throw-backs to the past intolerance still are a very vocal minority in the Church (and frequently and sadly have leadership positions)....sadly, it is also from this very vocal minority that many of the church scandals ultimately arise as well. If there were true religious leaders in this school, shame on them if they did not stand up to defend this faithful teacher.....they had the opportunity to show what a true christian leader should be.
Is he a freak? Yes, but but you can't fire him because he is a good teacher.
He should sue the school for a million dollars.
No, he's not a freak. Jerry Sandusky and the Catholic church who raped boys and tried to cover it up are freaks.
not to mention all the coaches, elementary school teachers, the bosses, the day care providers, the random people on the street... please, if you're going to make an arrogant sweep about the Catholic priests....the LESS THAN ONE PERCENT of priests which committed these crimes, at least don't forget about the other culprits who have an even worse track record
Yes he's a freak. A man in womans clothing. Yes he's a freak and he better stay away from my children. Law or no law.
Ian, he doesn't know you or your kids and couldn't care less about getting in their pants. He's been a teacher for more than 30 years so he did something right with them. You paranoid parents who are half raising your brats get on my last nerve.
Um, in the picture he's wearing a jacket and tie. The article also said he stopped wearing earrings. Your problem now ... ?
Around here, students are in a lot more danger from married, hetero teachers that think it's ok to have s ex with their 15 year old students. I'd rather have my kids in a class like his than theirs.
Not to mention the chaplain – who I'm sure was adhering very faithfully to a catholic "dress code."
Great! He can sue those freaking religious nuts for millions of dollars.
I hope he cleans them out. Then maybe he could start a school using their money to drive them out of business for good.
So did he/she/it teach sewing class or cooking class?
So what if he did? Most "Iron Chefs" are men.....as are most tailor.
YOu know what a southern bell is?
How thoughtful of you to refer to another human being as "it." And people wonder why dehumanizing violence plagues our society. At least you can enjoy your own sense of humor. Hope you're still laughing when whatever is different about you becomes cause for discrimination...
Is ignorance discrimination OK?
Here's a question for you...The subject in this story...does this person consider itself a he or a she? If neither applies, 'it' is the proper term.
Trans genders are very, very sick people.
No, they aren't at all.
He taught satisfactorily for 32 years and seems to be a good, caring teacher who connected with his students. Nothing changed about his performance, so what is the big deal? You think kids, the community, other teachers, didn't know? Every gym teacher I ever had was a lesbian, that made no difference in the classroom or gym. Doesn't sound like he ever crossed a line he shouldn't have as far as classroom behavior or talk. I fail to see why he shouldn't be able to go on teaching. We need more teachers like him.
Right. We need "someone like him" to teach our kids it's okay to be perverted!
Odd definition of a pervert.......a faithful, loyal teacher of 32 years who is loved and supported by the alumni of the school.
Oh, is that what he was teaching them? I was under the impression he was sticking the curriculum. Please, how sheltered do you think your kids are these days, with Adam Lambert, Johnny Weir, etc? Kids are generally more openminded and accepting than their parents. We had a flamboyantly gay teacher back in the 80s, he was a great teacher, I learned more about world history in his class than from any other teacher I ever had, and he was very much admired by the students as a great teacher. I don't know anyone that learned anything 'perverted' from him and I seriously doubt anyone turned gay because of him.
you my dear version of the world is slightly altered. This is 2013, get with the program. He did not push he beliefs or who he was on the children so tell me please how is he a pervert? The students themselves have said he did not, now unless all of them are lying and he played dirty man with them in the classroom then that's a different story which I highly doubt happen...Kids are kids....when trying to do a big lie someone ends up spilling the beans. You need to grow up and look up the real meaning of pervert.
Where I come from the term "southern belle" referred to sound the cow made when the hill billy pounded her from behind.
Did you ever sit in his class? How do you know he's a pervert? Because he looks different? I sat in his class. He's one of the most upstanding, respectful teachers I've ever had. Maybe Prep should have fired some of the other teachers who reallly were perverts. Would love to name them, but I was taught during my Prep years, not to hurt or maim anyone. Too bad the administrators at the schoool don't practice what they preach!
J – too bad you or the other students didn't turn those other teachers in, although from the reception Mr. K is getting, you may not have gotten any attention to your complaints.
Back in the 1970s, we had a teacher like that at school, too. All of us made sure to let the freshman girls know, "Don't go to Mr. M's office after school by yourself." We knew no adult would believe us. It's sad, but it worked.
Stop your whining and go out and get another job! As teachers, we are to abide by certain rules. We should be an example to students, not a hindrance! You shouldn't have a hard time finding another job since New Yorkers are known for accepting alternative lifestyles even though it is completey WRONG! Isn't this a Catholic school?????? Shouldn't they have the right to say who does and who does not teach there?????? Use your time wisely man, woman, or whatever you are, and go out and get a job!
Catholic doesn't mean they get to break the law. If they don't want to abide by NY law, they should move out
THANK YOU!!! Common sense reigns supreme in this poster's mind!
Whose mind? The bigot calling itself "southernbelle"? Girlfriend, everyone knows that southern girls are white trash tramps.
I'm sure he will.......as well as take the proceeds from a justly deserved lawsuit.
We are not living in the Vatican. This is America. Our rules are far more important than any religious rules, Catholic or otherwise.
"We should be an example to students, not a hindrance!" Everything in the article points to him being an example to students and not a hindrance. Either your comprehension skills are poor or your bigotry is the basis of your "reasoning."
In this day and age, someone calling themselves "southernbelle" is more of a hindrance than a help to students. Are you teaching them how to live in an antebellum manner? I am a gay teacher and what this man is going through is not for me, but he is not hindering anyone more than the closed-minded ultra-right Christians are.
Hey Snaps, I'm from the south and I'm not trash... Come on just because some southrenbelle is trying to act like a damn fool don't mean we all are. @ Southrenbelle FYI The Southern belle is an archetype for a young woman of the American Old South's upper class. The "Southern belle" supposedly epitomized Southern hospitality, a cultivation of beauty, and a flirtatious yet chaste demeanor. Those characters you have yet to display Southern Belle
Some of the people on here questioned why he would teach in a Catholic School. Why wouldn't he teach in a Catholic School. In a poll that was taken when Biden came out in support of gay marriage, it was noted that 59% of Catholics supported gay marriage. I would think that they would be just as open minded about transgender individuals. Obviously most parents were also raising their children with similar good values since the students seemed to like him as well. Despite the multiple failings of its hierarchy, it would appear that most Catholics are one of the few Christian sects that act like Christians and truly follow what Jesus would do......even if their hierarchy does not. Luckily, I believe that one of the Catholic Church's teachings is that the "people" ARE the church.
Can you keep it behind closed doors... or go somewhere where it is acceptable... say.. California public schools.. ?
"now standing behind him"
We aren't talking black and white skin colors in which you have no say in which you are and cannot change! We are talking about a conscious decision to be an openly transgender whatever in a Catholic private school that has its OWN morals and values to instill in the young impressionable minds handed to it with that exact expectation! (Regardless of the churches mishaps and corruption)
Did you have that game as a kid: circle in the circle, square in the square, etc.?
This guy teaching in a Catholic school is like trying to shove that triangle into the rhombus!
Sadly, the arguments of "morality" and "think what is best of the children" are the same arguments that were used against interracial marriage. They didn't hold water then and they don't hold water in this situation either. Most Catholics have evolved beyond discriminating against people on the basis of race, creed or se x ual orientation as is evident by the overwhelming support by the alumni of this school.
Sorry Dorthy,
Catholic Dogma and truth are not up for a vote. Dogma is taught by the Catholic Church and derives from God's law and no from what is currently popular and accepted by liberals this week in California. You do not get to define what it is to be a Catholic, that is up to God.
So Pat.....you mean like the same teachings that silenced Galileo and concluded that the sun circled around the earth?
Biden only claims to be a Catholic.
There is no such thing as a pro-abortion and pro gay "marriage" Catholic.
Sure there is.......it is actually the majority of Catholics.
The entire concept of religion must be based on discrimination against those who 1) don't believe in your particular set of magical invisible gods and spirits 2) don't agree on your elaborate human-created doctrinal "principles" 3) don't look or behave like you think they should (such as Black people not allowed in Mormon churches until recently). RELIGION = DISCRIMINATION both in the past, and as you can see from this article, TODAY ALSO.
When I go to Olive Garden, I expect a mediocre (at best) imitation Italian dinner from a server in a poorly imitated Italian outfit... I don't expect fried chicken, nor do I expect to see the Ronald McDonald statue in the waiting area.
If parents pay steeply for their child to a private religious education- that's what they should get,and someone who fits the part should be teaching it.
Unfortunately what you believe to be "Catholic" is a stereotype and not reflective of the majority of Catholics......as is obvious by his popularity among the students......One closed minded parent and a closed minded principle does not reflect the beliefs of the majority of catholics.
They have a right to deliver (in their opinion), in the best fashion, the teaching and moral guidance they are putting out there as there platform. What people expect...
Not an open tranny challenging the system.
Im not religious by the way, nor do I care if you are LGBT... just do it in your communities where it is acceptabel.. dont push it on everyone!
Sorry for the typos and misspellings... There- their, acceptable, etc
But it was obviously acceptable to the majority of that community as is evident by the overwhelming support of its alumni.
and if we ever let these "christains" do as they please they would have beaten and beheaded this man in the street just like their muslim/taliban cohorts..........
he's gonna sue the school and win, they broke the law and it's a good law
The discrimination and oppression that transgendered people deal with is so intense that it results in a very high suicide rate. Most states don't have laws that protect transgendered people from discrimination or violence. I hope Mr. K wins the lawsuit, there is no reason to deny transgendered people the same job opportunities as everyone else.
Parents send their children to private catholic schools so that their kids will be far away from d eviants like him. If this guy is allowed to teach is private catholic schools then parents will have no other options than to home school their kids. Family values is really important for people like me.
Jim... really? Ask all those abused at the hands of Catholic Priests who the "deviants" are... As for family values, it sounds like Mr. K has better family values than most people. Being "Christian" or "Catholic" doesn't mean you possess family values or make you more moral than someone else.
....but grammar is not. If you decide to homeschool your children, please teach them to properly conjugate a verb.
WOW what a disgusting guy! And to be teaching at a private catholic school... nuts!
So what Dude, I mean Dudette, I mean, oh forget it.......We don't really care
Two points. First, once again bigotry and ignorance are hiding behind organized religion...the kind Christ would not condone. Second, see what one closed-minded, paranoid ignoramus parent can cause. Hope she is happy with herself.
It isn't about JUST Mr.K
IT sets a precedent for the future!
No place for this in a private religious school.. No place. Way to go school admin for sticking to your guns! Bravo
'Merica, WAKE UP.... you are becoming way to sensitive, and oh don't hurt their feelings, and oh don't bully that nerdy kid...we are becoming a nation of sissies and cowards because of this garbage right here. It isn't hate, and it isn't bigotry. I could care less what you do in your private life behind your closed doors, or even in your closed door community,
Haters of degenerates!
disgusting
soo women are worse than gay? what is wrong with either one of those? its called nature and humanity people please remember
Yikes you learned nothing in school and you continue to remain ignorant of the world around you. Yooo Hooo remember we are all members of the human race.
When one becomes a teacher, you become a role model for our children. The means you don't get to express all of your radical views and behaviors. Freedom of speech doesn't apply here. If this man wants to dress this way, then he needs to do it on his own time. I personally would have a really hard time with a male role model in my childs who dressed and acted this way. Given that this Catholic School is a private school, I think they have every right to require certain standards, dress codes, etc from teachers.
Amen.
Agreed!
Did you read the article? He wears suits to school. You would have a problem with your children seeing a male teacher wearing a suit? He's not wearing leotards and skirts for pete's sake.
Whoa, there ... you're making too much sense.
That's what comes from being "ignorant" and "uneducated."
He taught WITHOUT INCIDENT for 32 years at the same place! Now all of a sudden, he come out to his superiors and NOW he gets "laid off"? This is illegal. He will sue for wrongful termination on the grounds of discrimination and he will win. If he had many write-ups and complaints against him, then I could see the school getting rid of him, but that doesn't seem to be the case. He taught for 32 years, he was loved by his student. When you have a teacher the students like, and who does his job properly, that's not an individual you get rid of.
We can't help how we are born. He says teaching was his life, but it is now time to move on to better things ahead.
I just don't get human beings sometimes. ALL that should matter is how one treats other. If one is not harming others, then why do you care what personal choices they've made? Why are we so quick to judge? Who CARES??? It's all so useless and pointless and based on prejudices of our time. Instead we should focus on important things, like going after those who harm others. I'd bet that if the energy used to discriminate against gay and transgender people was instead used to root out pedophiles that the world would be a better place and more real sinners would have been caught.
Why would a transgender work in a Catholic school. Like a satanist working at a Mosque...you are not welcome there
Maybe it was the only job available? Maybe the pay was great, the commute short, and the boss didn't have a problem with him (for the first 32 years)?
Maybe he is was in denial when he was hired. Hater like you cause that kind of response. Maybe he thought he could be "cured", because his religion taught him that he could just choose not to feel the way he felt.
If he wanted to get a job in the public school system in NY City it wasn't easy in 1980. I worked for the Brooklyn Catholic Diocese ( same diocese Mr. K worked for) as a teacher. I worked in Brooklyn, not Queens. I left and moved to Arizona in 1984 and taught here in some Public Schools. I can say it it may have become easier as time went on because I do know that 3 teachers I worked with landed NY City Public School jobs after I moved. Maybe he wanted to work for the Catholic School system from the beginning and chose deliberately to remain in that system. In defense of my experience teaching in the Bklyn Catholic Schools I will say it was the best years of my teaching experience.
I don't know... maybe because he is friggin' Catholic! Can anybody read anymore...?
We all choose our actions. I think everyone involved chose poorly. The teacher and the school. He has been dishonest and would not have told the school had some one not complained should have been upfront. The school should have allowed the teacher to stay as long as the parents and student were on board. I dont believe the choice to change gender is good but the ABILITY to choose is. His being transgender does not affect me it does not hurt me in any way negatively or positively and I should do nothing to hinder his choice.
LBGT or not,
Evil World Order $atanist Psychopaths are the root of all Global Problems.
The catholic church, which has covered up massive pedophilia for centuries, should not even be in the business of educating children, let along predicating morality.
No organization can be trusted with children - parents are abandoning their responsibility.
Wrong , totally wrong...Proves that there are flaws in nature.....
An albino could prove that just as well.
There are many flaws...But if you have to compare, make sure you are comparing aplees to apples,,,,,,,,
There are flaws within the flaws - within the flaws - within the flaws . .. ..
Then cometh the perfect LBGT (Jesus Chtist)
Seems like retirement is nearing and he realized SS doesn't pay much... no church should be forced to hire transgender people. Geez, why do you think the parents have their kids there? Transgender people are everywhere now. It is no big deal. Gays and lesbians are out and about everywhere. If you want to send your kid to a religious school the school should have the right to not expect men coming in dressed as women to try to instigate trouble and sue for money. If you give him money how many more teachers will come to a religious school in the most outrageous drag outfits to sue for lots of money? He has rights and he is not stupid enough to believe dressing half male/half female would not get him dismissed. This culture has changed, we all know it. Religious places have rights too.
Instigate? This guy taught at that school for decades. The school didn't care until some bigot parent complained. Can you read? He WANTED to stay at the school. He even agreed to change his appearance and did so. He clearly wasn't looking for a payout.
Churches should have to comply with the same law all other employers must comply with. Why do Christians think they are so special?
If you want to shelter your kids from the real world, I hear the Westboro Baptist Church has a great school.
Does anyone think there would be a case if this was a Muslim school in the USA? NO.
This is a Private Catholic School and they should be allowed to require standards which support their beliefs. They should not receive any support from our tax dollars nor tax any breaks, if they do then they should follow the standards of other public education systems governed by state and federal regulations.
There are minimal tax breaks for private schools, they are a business. They do get to write of kids who attend on scholarship (it is a charitable contribution). But it also worth knowing, that people who pay for a private education, also do not get a tax break for sending their kids to private schools. They pay the public school tax even though their kid do not attend on top of the tuition.
Well said....Agree 100%
I'd say not having to pay property taxes is a giant tax break. So when they pay property taxes, then they can complain.
Which states do not require them to pay property taxes?
what are you talking about?
.
unlike most of you folk here (and me) this transgender person is giving something no one can take away and that's knowledge. At least s/he's giving something back to society. What the hell have you judging losers done with your lives? reply all you want and watch me care...
He proves that nature is not perfect......What disgusting individual
Maybe when talking about disgusting individuals, you should look in the mirror.
No, bigots like you are disgusting.
walk in front of a bus, "the truth"
He makes one Ugly woman......Who the hell will dare sleep with that thing????
Agreed!
I think the problem is s/he is not really owning either gender. Dressing as and being named as a male and then essentially cross dressing instead of actually dressing female, taking a female name and taking the hormones and such. I think perhaps that might be more acceptable, that is, being mid transition...it's the cross dressing type thing that has parents upset.
Isn't that pretty much the same as saying it's okay to discriminate against someone who is half-black?
No, that is stupid. A person is half-black because of their genetics. In contrast, a tranny CHOOSES to dress as a woman. Not even comparable.
right- it's being "mid-transition" that was the issue as though once he "fully" transitioned, everything would be happy and kumbaya again. wonder if you are also aware that gender is a spectrum and people can fall anywhere on it? (and also move around, too) gender isn't binary.
good point re being bi and multi-racial. and to the person who made the ridiculous comment that race is genetic etc- race is actually "social" and people can make choices to change their skin color and features if they don't feel they fit who they are. but that's beyond the point.
I am not against anyone and love everyone and hope I exemplify that love. Having said that;so you're saying that I as a Black person I can change my skin color (and Race). If that was true I don't think a Black person alive would hesitate to do so just to get avoid being pulled over Driving While Black, get approved for that bank loan and not have to put up with all the other BS just for being Black. As for MJ he change appearances, color, hair etc. but we all still knew he was Black. I never seen a no Gays allowed bathrooms or drinking fountains nor have they ever had to sit in the back of the bus. You have no history of slavery either. Stop comparing yourselves to us; we don't like it! It's not same.
Utter weirdo.
The Catholic church has so many perverts and convicted child molesters still under their tutelage, what a farce.
Ignorant comment. Yet another church bashing pig.
@cml: Except, he's right.
Truth hurts, doesn't it?
You will find that in every organization whether it be religious or not.....
The problem is not that the Catholic Church had pedos, it's that they actively covered it up as an organization.
like
Nothing wrong with being a transgender, but his place of works does not approve of it. personal life should be kept personal.
The catholic church wants to keep a image, what lies behind that image might be something else, but that is their business and another story
Not when the laws say otherwise.
The law is the law. No more special treatment for Christians.
I'd agree, except that they get tax breaks of all sorts and varieties. If you're gonna benefit financially from being a religious organization, then you should still be held to certain American standards. Otherwise give up those tax breaks and you can do whatever you want. Hate blacks and gays? Don't hire them. But if you get any tax breaks, then you need to be held to the basic standards of the country you're in. You're free to leave or change your tax exempt status.
The irony being, of course, is that all you religious lunatics commenting are far more immoral than this teacher. Never ceases to endow me with a sense of bitter hatred for your hypocritical "morals."
*patiently waits for the day when all religion is eradicated from the planet, in the name of human decency*
You don't see the hypocrisy of your stereotypical labeling of the haters with your own ,"Bitter hatred"?
This comment is directed at Ryan. You sir are ignorant. Your rants on cnn.com show your motive. The eradication of all religion and the people that believe in them. Sounds like a call for genocide if you ask me. CNN moderators where are you?
I don't understand your deep hate against religious people. They think differently than you do. They act differently than you do. And most of them don't hate you. Still, you see to dump all your anger against them. You need some psychological help. Your comment indicates that you are very very close to commuting some sort of hate crime. Learn to live with people that think differently. You don't have to accept them. Just learn to respect them.
You sir are ignorant. Your rants on cnn.com show your motive. The eradication of all religion and the people that believe in them. Sounds like a call for genocide if you ask me. CNN moderators where are you?
It will be a long wait…Good will always prevail over evil….
Interesting comments here, though as a transwoman, I have heard them before. I was born with two uteruses, but since my male genitalia were visible, everyone "knew" I was male. Others knew that I was a gay too cowardly to come out, or a man who couldn't handle male responsibilities, or an attention seeker, or a hypochondriac, or a pervert who just wanted access to the ladies room, or even a foolish New Ager who had been possessed by a demon. My heart goes out to this teacher. And I do hope the DSM-IV changes the discussion somewhat. Are you reading this, journalists?
Thanks Theresa for bringing some perspective. Odd how none of the christian are posting replies to this comment eh?
Is there a moral turpitude clause in his contract?
Regardless of peoples' opinions he is out.His revolting perversion shouldn't be displayed in front of anyone.least of all children.Look at how easily you are swayed
Your revolting hate and bigotry should not be exposed to anyone. I pray for your soul and its inevitable damnation.
And what about the kids that he is exposing to the same garbage? How is it right for him to do whatever he wants and not what the church believes is right. Sorry your argument is hypocritical.
So you can just declare anything revolting to you, and other people must comply with that judgement. Interesting. I wonder what Jesus would say about that...wait, no I don't.
Can't the school hire and fire anyone they choose? Could the school management be worried about parents pulling their children out of the school. After all when it comes down to it, this school is a business.
He has been a teacher there for 32 years, kind of defeats your statement.
You are right Larry that the school is very much a business, but I can assure that the parents have worked so hard to get their kids into Prep that they are not going to pull them out over something like this. My guess is even if Prep had not fired Mr K that mother would have kept her child in school because there are few better alternatives.
You are correct. In a private business, and this is a private business, your employment is "at will" and you can be laid off for any or no reason at all. So, yes the school can fire him if it sees fit.
The firing has to conform with state anti-discrimination law and with the employment contracts even in "at will" employment states.
Wrong. Some states and cities actually try to protect workers from being fired for arbitrary and discriminatory reasons...something you conservatives can't comprehend until it happens to you in one of your glorious "right-to-work" states, where most of the population tends to be poor and have no health care.
So if Mr. K. is a good teacher means that everything he does and practices are good? Poor souls! The position of the Catholic Church remains and will not change. The school admin is responsible for the moral good of its pupils with respect to Catholic ethos. If one does not like that they are free to leave.
Mr K was my teacher for four years, almost a decade ago now. He wore his hair in burgundy spikes, had earrings and dainty eyebrows. He also happens to be one of the kindness, most professional, and intelligent people I have ever had the benefit of having in my life. His personal preferences have made me no less straight, and no less a woman. However his teaching and personality have definitely made me a better person all around, and I will be forever thankful to him. Ignorance and hatred have no place in this world -and no place in a good school full of amazing teachers and students. Practice what you preach -seems far too many people are good at talking the talk but never actually doing anything positive. What good is church on Sunday when you spread hate the other six days a week? Mr K, we, your former students, love, respect and support you.
Great Story .... I LOVE IT ! For I consider myself Transgender . This makes me feel good inside to know people care about others like this ....
That's beautiful.
Damm...He makes he makes one ugly woman.........
Beautifully said, Alexandra. You are living proof of Mr. K's extraordinary skills as a teacher.
As a student of this amazing HUMAN BEING I have never forgotten him. I am a graduate of the class of 1990, and Mr. K if you are reading this, please know how many of us are with you. I think that there is so much judgment in this world, and you, the least judgmental of any of us, are dealing with the worst of hypocracy and judgment. Jesus said that those without sin should be the first to throw the stone- and people are so quick to throw stones at everyone these days. I never cared that you were not like all the other male teachers, it simply didn't matter. I am now a teacher myself- and after 17 years of teaching I have never forgotten you. We all walk on this planet doing the very best we can with what God has given us. And God has given you so many beautiful gifts, one of them is being "different" and causing the rest of us to do some examination of how we treat others. You are still teaching tolerance and acceptance, even in this horrible experience you are going through. So many of my fellow graduates, and even friends who didn't go to SFP, are sickened by this and are 1000% with you. You are not alone, you are loved, and we support you, Everyone else needs to stop and figure out why they are so filled with hate. God will welcome you into heaven one day with open arms, and stop the others and ask them to scrub off all their layers of hatred. Stay strong Mr K!!!!
Beautifully said. Mr K is an amazing person and deserves love and support from all of us.
Well said!
I've never met Mr. K but have met some very special men/women who are some of the most amazing people, yet are not your everyday people that our society considers "norm". Once we all see that each and every person is different in there own ways we will be a much happier world. I love and appreciate that people like you guys exist. I, myself would be one lonely person without kind, accepting people like yourselves and of course like Mr. K. God Bless!
Shame, Shame...and with all the poor teaching that goes on we find the most ridiculous reasons to fire the good ones. Young men adorn yourself with some flowing female wigs in support of Mr. K and maybe an earring or two?
Good luck telling students what is acceptable conduct when teacher want to make up their own rules too.
"Acceptable conduct"? Since when does one's appearance have anything to do with conduct? I've had teachers who didn't bathe and had terrible BO, yet that wasn't considered a problem. He's not doing drugs in class, being disrespectful to students, trying to seduce students, or any other sort of inappropriate behavior. He's an excellent teacher and loved by the students. Let him dress however he wants. He's teaching students that decent people don't always conform to the mold. That's a valuable lesson in itself.
I think this all happened in the last 8 months it said. His transformation. Most of you saying he was a great teacher were not around to see this side of him I am guessing. I am sure he is a great teacher and a nice person. But obviously it is now a distraction.
If you read carefully, it says his dress has not hardly changed over the years, and the only ones that knew about his transgender statement was the principle and vice principle. And he had toned his dress down from what it had been to comply with their wishes. They just wanted him gone.
Reread the article again. His attire and makeup HAVE significantly changed the past 8 months
I had this individual as a teacher over twenty years ago and he stands out as one of the best teachers I ever met. Every student that met him loved him, I'm sure it's the same today. Those that are basing your discussion on a few bad photos and a one minute sound bite should reserve judgement until you have all of your facts. And if you're using Christianity as your defense, I don't think Jesus would approve of ostracizing and shunning people just because they don't conform to your ideals. Remember the whole stoning incident in the Bible, ye without sin?
Wow. It's always best to let people think you're ignorant than to open your mouth and verify it! Some of the comments for this story don't surprise me because humans have always vilified those who are different. History proves it. Discrimination in any form is abhorrent. Why do you think Jesus said "Let those without sin cast the first stone?" Look in the mirror and think about your life. Members of the LGBT community are your fellow human brothers and sisters and if you are a Christian, think on this....what will Saint Peter say to you? How would you feel with no diversity in this country?
It is cheaper to fire him than to go through the process and pay millions of dollars to install all NEW TRANSGENDER bathrooms in all the schools, but it doesn't matter, UNCLE SAM will pay for it all, he's loaded.
Ignorant, are there gay bathrooms anywhere??? Hey guess what I guess what keeps you up at night is the fear of a gay guy being in a bathroom at the same time as you. Pathetic. FYI its a private school not public so no finding by Uncle Sam.
If my child was in that school, I ould pull them out IMMEDIATLEY
I am a Christian, a religion teacher, and a former student of Mr. K's. He is an amazing teacher. I would love to go back to high school for a day to sit in his class. He encouraged us, expanded our world views, and was there for us whenever we needed to talk. I would be proud to work beside him.
Having children know this teachers "problems" is a horrible form of brainwashing.
I pity your children. Growing up in an environment of hate and intolerance is a horrible form of brainwashing.
Brilliant display of intolerance on your part as well. You do not have the right to submit everyone to this. Rethink your statement again.
I feel sorry for your children.
It seems to me that taking your position on this would be much too easy. It is simplistic and not well developed morally. Just a thought.
Great, now your (poor) children get to grow up just as bigoted, arrogant, and insufferable as you. Good move.
Brilliant display of intolerance on your part as well. You do not have the right to submit everyone to this. Lets hope to god or whatever floats your boat that you NEVER reproduce. Your children are destined to be brown shirts.
I bet your children are going to grow up to be exception human beings, just like you. If you didn't catch the sarcasm there, it was pretty thick.
I'm a veteran teacher. I was raised southern baptist but luckily I survived. It's hypocrites like Mr.K's admin that are ruining education and driving away good educators. I am MUCH more concerned with the "role models" of obesity that are teaching children. Fat, fatter, and fattest are wobbling down the halls with zero food-management skills, teaching children that being fat is now normal. Who cares if a man paints his fingernails? Why is that a big deal? Women paint their nails every day. Why are men's expressions crushed? His name should be Mr.Kudos since he's bringing attention to such shameful discrimination. I'm proud of you, Mr.K, and I hope you're drinking coffee and reading your fan mail.
Mr K. You have a lot of wellwishers. Go get them full force. GOOD LUCK TO YOU
I think if I hear the words judge or hate one more time, I'm going to scream. Talking about overused, give us a break.
Well when hypocrites stop judging and hating maybe you'll see those words a lot less. I guess it's time for you to grab a pillow...?
Mr. K is a beautiful, smart and loving person and is a very beloved teacher.
Being transgender is NOT a choice and even if it was , so what? We should be more tolerant and accepting, especially when we don't know what it's like to walk in their shoes and they're not hurting anyone. LGBT people have always been around for as long as people have existed – in 2013 it's time to educate yourselves so you can really call yourself Christian. In the meantime save your intolerance for people who actually deserve it (murderers, child molestors, etc. – not innocent people).
Having said that, no one has delivered the Christian and Franciscan message more than Mr. K. "Make me an instrument of your peace."
Not a choice? Being a man and choosing to dress in feminine clothes and wear earrings is definitely a choice.
If you were female is wanting to dress in womans clothes a choice? When you were a girl did you "choose" to put a dress on or feminine clothing or was it what came natural to you? If he feels more feminine than what he was born, it is not a choice that this makes him comfortable.
That was to luvlar. Seriously there's this thing called 'google'. When you actually do a little research on the topic then come back to the conversation.
Bravo. Luvlar this man is not transgender. He is actually drag, "wanting to be female." That is denial and confusion about what he is. Sorry this man has no case here.
Everyone seems to be a transgender these days. Just like everyone is suddenly autistic. He should have come out as a gay man, and that would have been that. But no, he wanted to be outrageous.
You are ignorant, being a Gay man and being transgender are two different things.
Absolutely true, you aren't necessarily gay if you are transgendered. I know quite a few MtF trans people who are strictly attracted to women.
EXACTLY! Its called in your face trans gender-ism. Except this man is not a true transgender, he's gay. Sorry no case here either way.
When I was fired from teaching, they told me that teaching is about conferring a subject to children, not becoming the subject. No clown costume allowed. I tried to explain I was born that way, that I am trans-jester, but clowns, they said, belong in a circus, not in a classroom. I totally empathize.
as condescending as this was intended to be, I laughed...
HAHAHAHA! Amazing.. right and right and right on!
The man has a stellar thirty year history of employment at this establishment. The parent was upset with the nail polish for god sake, give the world a break ! We are not all alike and we should revel in that, not condemn the Other !
Well, dont know what to say but would certainly not want my children to be taught by some one like this either. Teaching is a profound profession and children Idolize teachers in many ways. In any other profession it could be ok but not teaching. US is already destroying its children with experimental drugs and deliberate induction of violence. Even if He is a trans, He should not expose infront of children; they dont need to know.
Thousands of former students have come out to support him due to the content of his character. He is very much loved for a reason and we do look up to him.
All the more reason he should still be teaching. If he wasn't a great teacher, do you think more than 3,000 alumni would care so much help him and support him?
People like you are disgusting human beings. And I'm far from a liberal.
Right, because kids don't have internet access and will never learn about LGBT people if their mommies and daddies just shield them from it.
You kids are not going to turn gay or transgender just because they see a teacher do it. You're insane.
This is terrible. Mr K must be a VERY GOOD TEACHER. And please after 30 years. Give me a break. Hope He sues them to the MAX. This is supposed to be a CHRISTIAN School. The rest of my comments would not be very kind to the school. So I shut my mouth.
teachers are our kids best chance , as far as im concerned he should be teaching , some stood up for him but, a lot of wow really who left you all in charge any of a you teacher , no because if you where you would have better manners .
i don't care what anyone says this is not right to judge him , at least he did not hurt kids . i think people in his position understand kids they have a sense on how kids feel my kids teachers could be any colour or gender as long as they don't hurt kids , some of the remarks should make you feel bad there a lot of this type bulling has killed .
we can trust them with your kids that is saying tons .
Catholicism is a branch of Christianity so it's just fine to call it a Christian school.
Something tells me if there was any more to this story and if SFP was the innocent party, they'd be the ones speaking out right now. Instead they're unresponsive and taking away freedom of speech from former students on their fb page.
The Catholic Church has to be sued into oblivian...it's the only way to stop the hate.
Explain to us how loving and accepting your narrow-mindedness of Catholicism is?
So you can walk through the streets with your banners and get in everyone's faces, business and homes espousing your gayness. Sorry: Morally straight people 1, gay atheist 0
I love the tolerant Liberals.
After all of the controversy in the Catholic church they are the last group that should be passing judgement. Hypocrites.
If by the Church you mean the whole Catholic Community is passing judgement on this man than you're completely wrong.
Quite the contrary. The Catholic community ((yes its more than just the priests; there are parishioners (common ordinary people who attend church)), demanded these sick individuals be purged from the ranks and brought to justice. If anything we are more conscious of it now then ever in the past. You should look in the mirror when you start talking about who is truely "passing judgement."
...In case you are wondering: GOD says "love the sinner, hate the sin." That is what we are commanded to do.
and we might want to be very clear that casting the first stone is only allotted to one who is sinless, and He chose to decline... the complaining parent is to blame for this travesty !
Which only explains why we have to love you despite your sin of bigotry and prejudice.
In case you were wondering, God calls us to love our transgender neighbors as ourself. Perhaps you need to work on this a bit more.
You religious individuals come off as such sheep. "Commanded" to do.
I make my own decisions. I live my own life. I act in a manner that I know is just, fair, and "right." I don't need a fairy tale to teach me morals.
Ryan your ignorance is astounding. Religious aren't any more "commanded" to do so here in the USA then your crusade against anyone with religious beliefs. You said so yourself "waits for the day when all religion is eradicated from the planet, in the name of human decency." Sounds like a command a call to arms by all people that believe as you do. HYPOCRITE!
Great day! So since the Church has been lying on it's back, funnin in the sunnin and all, but now wants to do what GOD commands us, you all take offense? Just think, if it weren't for your lewd boldness the Church would still be on vacation. Thanks for the wake-up call yall.
consrevative paradox, arm the enemy?
who is the girl? she has the most perfect jaw profile
You already can sue at anytime that you are treated unairly.
But makling ignorant remarks is nothing that you can be sued for, unfortunately. Otherwise the rest of the world could sue you, and win.
Why would a transgender teacher choose to work at a catholic school? Do you think he was waiting for tHis moment? I do.
Of course .... he patiently waited 32 years for this moment. That's ridiculous. Do you know him? Have you ever been taught by him? If the answer is no, then you shouldn't judge.
What the hell are you talking about? This is a comment section and Deborah expressed her opinion. What are you on?
scranton, what are you on? J's response was not bad. J's comment was also a legitimate opinion. And, I agree with J, people do not wait 32 years just to do something like this. Clearly Mr. K has a case.
Agreed. Its the perfect scenario / cover. Collect a pay check for 30+ years and then cash in when the time is right.
Ri-ight, keep quiet for over 3 decades and then get yourself fired just in time to lose your pension. Maybe it was the school that was waiting? Just take advantage of the guy's skills for his whole career, then dump him before they have to pay retirement?
This is such foolishness. This guy has been teaching at a Catholic school for years and knows their standards. Then he wants to priss around and be called Sally and he expects it to be okay? Come on, get real. He deserved to be terminated and it should remain so.
Mr. K. is an amazing, fun, and kind teacher that I was lucky to have had as a senior in high school. Look past all of the ignorant negative comments from people who do not know him or how he represented himself in school (in fashionable and professional suits) and focus on the thousands of alumni/ former students who are backing him up. He obviously did something right in his many years at Prep to have garnered such support from his former students. I just hope he is aware of all of the support he has from the people that he has impacted in his many years of teaching at Prep.
He was/is a great teacher and I never recall him telling people to call him Sally. In fact, his lawyer states that he still prefers to be called Mr K, which is how three decades of appreciative students know and love him.
Don't ever leave Texas. One day, a giant earthquake will separate all you neanderthals from the rest of the civilized world.
Yet another brillant display of Ryan's Liberal Tolerance! LOL
The law is the law. No more special treatment for Christies.
Right.....religious people should be required to let the government to tell them what to believe, and who to hire to teach their children. It's a private school. It's not unreasonable for a Catholic school to require teachers to adhere to basic Catholic beliefs in order to teach. It sounds like Mr. K was a great teacher. But he's not living according to Catholic beliefs. As a Christian (non-Catholic) I wouldn't expect a Muslim school to be required to employ me as a teacher, because I don't adhere to their faith. Why is this any different?
I think the school should be
ashamed for what they did. And
are u telling me all this was the
result of 1 kid and his moms
opinion on how this teacher
looks and dresses. What was the
problem,u didnt like your grade.
Mom and student i hope you
feel bad for what you put this
teacher through, i hope he can
make a case against you 2 and
hurts your income and then
maybe next time u run into
someone that you dont like the
way they look , u will think twice
and keep it to yourself
This is so wrong
you should let people teach if they're good teachers
its not fair to fire this teacher just because he is transgender
A true catholic man doesn't hate or discriminate transgender or gay people
I'm not gay and I'm not transgender, but I believe everyone should be treated equally
Aren't Catholics allowed to decide who should teach their children? If someone lives a lifestyle that the faith believes is contrary to their religion, shouldn't they have the right to dismiss him from the position? I agree that people shouldn't be mean or hateful towards those they disagree with, but people of all religions should be allowed to require those who teach at their schools to hold to the tenants of the faith. I think it would be inappropriate for this man to be fired if it were a public school – but it's not. It's a private school, where people send their kids because they want their children to have a Catholic education. I'm not Catholic, but I think it's a pretty reasonable thing to do.
I replied this to somebody but it seems to have been removed. NOT talking about the teacher
If you want to speak out speak out! And if you want to be free be free.
So, if you judged someone on the action and sin that we live by or commit...? Then allowing LGBT to violate the law and commandments mean we would violate the Law and Commandments ourselves...? If our hearts are evil and so is our ways since we are imperfect... and we justify our behavior as being different and consider it discrimination or wrong then in a spiritual warfare sin is okay...?
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick who can understand it? Jeremiah 17;9
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
I also attended SFP (class of 2000)- Mr./Ms. K was/is an excellent educator. SFP used to be a school that taught tolerance, education and acceptance but it seems like ignorance and fear have driven SFP to terminating Mr./ Ms. K. There is no perversion or crime in Mr. K's choice to be true to himself... anyone that insinuates that there is should take a long look at themselves and question why his/her self awareness and confidence offends them so.
I can honestly say that what this school did is wrong on so many levels. Mr. K taught in that school for too many years for the administration to disrespect him like this. Christians are supposed to love everyone, these people should be ashamed of them selves.
Don't point out their Hypocrisy, they get mad
He's working for a private religious school and they can fire people on grounds that go against church belief. He is a transgender who, while keeping it to himself, is not bothered. Nex thing you know the guy has to come out and tell everyone and gets fired and now he is suing. Gee, would there be any outrage if a Neo-Nazi who is teaching at a private Jewish school got fired for coming out of the closet? It's not illegal to be a Nazi worshipper nor is it illegal to be a transgender. Somehow, I just don't see the Neo-Nazi winning his case in court and I hope the transgender loses his also.
Shame on you for trying to make such an awful comparison. It is you that sounds more like the Neo-Nazi. (As you should be aware, Nazism and Neo-Nazism seek to marginalize people, as you are suggesting is right.
The correct comparison would there be outrage if someone said they had parkinsons or that they were Amish.
Just being a private school does not mean they are exempt from laws that require a person to be judged in their employment only by the ability to do the job, and not by biases.
Ethics would dictate that your comments on the board here should also be by a similar standard, and not to make outlandinsh comparisons built out of prejudice.
That's not what the law says.
Alyson...i agree. Mr. K deserves accolades for his work...
I think there is a time a place for everything. Some things should be left at home, I understand him as a teacher but I think that other side of him should be left at home. We sometimes as people no matter age, race gender or whatever dont think before we do. I dont see how his looks wouldnt have made anyone not question him especially for school that he worked for.
So you're saying he should just remain miserable?
Thank you Franny! You are so right. The administration knew about him for all those years and yet fired him for no reason but to cause him pain. I wish Mr. K well with everything in life and pray he can continue making a difference.
I don't know if you are being comical or now ZOMG, but all Mr K is trying to represent is himself. All he wants to do is making a living for himself and keep reaching out to students like us. What happened to him at Prep is disgraceful and mocking what happened doesn't make it any better.
I am an alumna of SFP, class of '94. Mr. K was one of my teachers and stands out for me as one of the best. I am sincerely disappointed by my former school's response to this situation. They are definitely not following the teachings of Jesus or of St. Francis. I hope for nothing but the best for Mr. K.