Terminated Teachers @ St. Thomas Aquinas, Dover NH

Last week we learned that six teachers and administrators who align with, support, and have family members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community were terminated at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. These terminations followed the diocese's announcement that they planned to have teachers participate in training provided by the Person and Identity Project, an anti-trans "Gender Ideology" organization. While St. Thomas Aquinas High School denies these teachers were not renewed as part of an anti-LGBTQ+ movement, critical-thinking students, parents, and community members see a clear correlation.

Donations will be evenly divided between the six teachers and administrators whose employment was terminated between 5/5/2023-05/07/2023. Funds will be used to help cover their living expenses while they seek new employment, legal counsel, and any other supports they will require during this heartbreaking time. United, we will shine a light in the darkness and prove that the love of a community is stronger than the hateful influence of a few.

The Backstory:

For decades, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH, has taken seriously its mission to instill values and ethics of love, fairness, critical thinking, and equality. Teachers of various faiths were welcomed and given a voice. Also, for decades, members of the LGBTQ+ community have served as teachers at STA. All students were welcomed, loved, and respected.

In 2019, St. Thomas announced a new administrative structure; specifically a Principal/President model governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the institution’s general well-being with principal responsibilities for mission development, financial and strategic planning. They elect and support the President as the Board’s singular direct report.

Since this structural change has occurred, things at STA have slowly been changing. Award-winning coaches have been released, extraordinary teachers have not been renewed, and changes have been made to the curriculum consistent with more stringent conservative values.

The actions of the new administration have betrayed St. Thomas's legacy. The anti-LGBTQ+ movement in the administration is fundamentally anti-Christian and, therefore, against the school's core mission.

The outcry from the STA community has been rapid and steadfast in defense of the terminated individuals and their displeasure with the changes that have occurred. The blatant display of hatred and bigotry has no home at STA.

Today, students in the graduating class are being silenced, and remaining teachers are desperately trying to keep students safe and supported. Social media posts, copied below, tell of the tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes.

The Student Advisory Board of the Class of 2024 issued the following statement:

"With whatever measure of faith you bring, welcome."

Welcome.

"Welcome" is not a word we take lightly. The St. Thomas community is a family. And right now, our family is not welcome. We have been devasted to hear the news regarding our teachers, and we feel it is unjust and unfair. These teachers have put their time, effort, and hearts into their careers to serve us students by offering us an invaluable education and a supportive environment. They chose STA to support its mission. Its mission failed them.

We feel helpless. We feel disappointed. But above all, we feel the need for justice. Though we are still processing and developing a plan of action, we wanted to reach out to tell you that we will not let this go. As stated in our mission, "St. Thomas aims to develop a community of students that (fosters) within them a commitment to justice, service, and moral leadership." If ever there was a time to apply what we have learned, it is now.

A letter sent from an anonymous group of teachers at STA:

To begin, I want to sincerely thank you for your emails regarding the current state of St. Thomas Aquinas. The events of the past few months have been devastating. Students and parents need the information. Even as I type this email, the school is collapsing. Trust and morale is at an all time low between staff and the diocese.

Many of us, quiet allies, remain. In our rooms, LGBTQ children are respected and loved. Please trust that we do not stay to support the actions of our Diocese; we are afraid and stuck.

Please believe we are searching for a way to make this school better. Please don't mistake our silence with complacency. We will fight and defend; even as we try to make our way out. Know that for as long as we have a classroom, there will be a safe place for kids to go.

I know that an institution truly following the word of the lord would never do this.

Yours in peace,

Jennifer MacNeil

Erin Jacobsen