Good teachers are hard to find and the essence of their performance is based on how well they perform their jobs. Such was the case with a really admired teacher at the Waldron Mercy Academy until it was discovered that Ms. Margie Winters was in a lesbian relationship and married her longtime partner in Boston. Her marriage was performed several years before the Supreme Court decision.
Ms. Winters has been teaching at the Catholic school for eight years, doing an exceptional job and was highly loved and admired by her students, the staff and parents. When she was hired, her relationship was discussed with the principal of the school, Nell Stetser and was told that she could be open about her life with the faculty but to avoid discussing it with students' parents. This is according to the online news information at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150708_Firing_of_teacher_in_same-sex_marriage_roils_Catholic_school.html.
The teacher has done everything required of a good educator all these years, keeping her a low profile of her personal life. It appears that the school staff was fully aware of who she is and believed in her abilities and job performance. It comes as quite a disturbing surprise that they chose to fire such a beloved, highly skilled teacher due to her own personal choices in life.
We are working to get this teacher reinstated to the position that she excelled in because of her qualifications and excellent teaching skills. You can help her to get her job back by signing and sharing this petition. Her being let go is a form of discrimination. Everyone has differences in their personal lives but what anyone does after hours should not exemplify the job qualifications, skills and rapport with those they work with and for. Ms. Winters was loved and admired at the school by all for her performance and skills as a great teacher, and should never have been fired!!
Principal Stetser & Administration of Waldron Mercy Academy – We urge you to reinstate Ms. Margie Winters back into the position that she has done so well for eight years. This teach is highly admired and loved by her students, parents and staff because of her qualifications and abilities as a fine educator! It is discriminatory to fire her because of her personal relationship, which you seemed to be aware of when she was hired. Do not fire someone who is so good at what she does! She kept a low profile of her personal life and should not be a determining factor to fire someone so highly qualified. Please ensure that your school and Archdiocese reinstate Margie Winters and issue an official apology.
