Alter HS teacher’s non-renewal sparks outrage, Archdiocese responds

KETTERING — A long-time and highly valued teacher at Archbishop Alter High School did not have their contract renewed, sparking outrage from many on social media about the Archdiocese’s decision.

“This development has naturally precipitated a great outpouring of sadness and anger, as this teacher was very obviously highly-regarded and well-liked by many Alter students and parents,” said Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.

Those who have posted about the teacher on social media claim the teacher was fired because they were gay. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which is the governing authority for Alter HS, declined comment when asked about the reason for the non-renewal of the teacher’s contract.

“It is our policy that we do not discuss personnel matters publicly, and that this confidentiality is out of respect for the employee in any given situation,” said Jennifer Schack, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Schnurr addressed some of the public comments that have been made on social media platforms in his letter.

“The policies guiding schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are informed by the enduring teaching of the Catholic Church – not by hate, bigotry, or homophobia, as some have alleged,” the Archbishop said.

Schnurr also said the Archdiocese has been made aware of “mean-spirited comments" directed at the school’s principal, Lourdes Lambert.

“Lambert is faithfully fulfilling her responsibility as principal of a Catholichigh school and employee of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Personal attacks against her and her family are not acceptable,” Schnurr wrote in his letter.

The Archbishop also defended the Archdiocese’s decision not to renew the teacher’s contract.

“Behaviors that are not regrettable mistakes but are rather confirmed life choices contrary to Catholic teaching cannot be offered to young people as a witness to the faith, no matter the many other outstanding attributes a person may possess,” Schnurr told Alter families. “Sometimes, personal decisions mean that an individual and an organization are simply no longer compatible – nothing more, nothing less.”

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