INDIANAPOLIS–It looks like a second Roncalli High School guidance counselor could lose her job over her same-sex marriage.
A lawyer for Lynn Starkey, told the Indystar that Roncalli representatives told her that her contract will not be renewed for the 2019-2020 school year.
Starkey has been married to her spouse since 2015. She has worked alongside Shelly Fitzgerald, another counselor who was placed on administrative leave in August shortly after Roncalli learned that Fitzgerald had been married to another woman.
Starkey filed a discrimination charge against Roncalli and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis back in November, claiming she was discriminated against based on her sexual orientation.
Her attorney says she will amend the charge to include the fact that Starkey is losing her job.
WIBC has reached out to Roncalli administrators for comment.
State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) had this to say:
State funds should not be used for discrimination, plain and simple. This is the second time that Roncalli High School has discriminated against its staff because of their sexual orientation — all the while receiving state voucher money. Lynn Starkey now joins Shelly Fitzgerald as dedicated educators who are being judged because of who they are.
This is why the General Assembly must prevent discrimination in any school that receives public funds. Your tax dollars should not be used to discriminate against any Hoosier because of their innate characteristics.
The legislation I introduced this session, Senate Bill 344, would have prevented any school that receives state funds from discriminating against its staff or students. My bill didn’t receive a hearing, but there is still time for the majority party to make sure this language becomes law this session. We must ensure that our schools are safe places, void of any fear of judgement or retribution.
(PHOTO: WISH TV)
