Mark Krolikowski was fired from St. Francis Prep in Queens, New York after more than 30 years for being what the principal described as "worse than gay".
Krolikowski, who recently began publicly identifying as a woman, wears suits and neckties while she teaches social studies, music, and a class on human sexuality that has earned her honors for her work. However, she also wears earrings and paints her fingernails.
In 2011, she was called into the office of the principal, Brother Leonard Conway, where she told him she wanted to come to work as a woman in response to parents' complaints about her appearance.
But Conway told Krolikowski that being transgender is "worse than gay" and that she couldn't come to public events if she wanted to dress that way.
Krolikowski doesn't deserve to be fired because of who she is, especially after 32 years of dedication to the school. Also, Krolikowski is protected by state and city discrimination laws. Please tell St. Francis Prep to rehire Mark Krolikowski!
Dear St. Francis Prep,
Mark Krolikowski was fired for being "worse than gay" as described by the principal, Brother Leonard Conway, because she was growing out her hair, wearing earrings and painting her fingernails, and wanted to start coming to work as a woman. Krolikowski identifies as transgender.
Krolikowski worked at the school for 32 years and had won honors for teaching music, a class on human sexuality, and social studies.
It is wrong that she was fired for being who she is, and these situations are protected by state and city discrimination laws. Please rehire her.
Thank you for your time.
