INDIANAPOLIS -- Parents gathered to protest and demand change in support of a Roncalli guidance counselor who is on paid administrative leave because of her same-sex marriage.
Roncalli High School has been defending the Catholic church’s teachings, while some of the families with students who attend the school demand change.
Roncalli administrators held the first of a series of meetings with parents about the controversy involving Shelly Fitzgerald.
READ | Archbishop responds to controversy surrounding Roncalli guidance counselor's same-sex marriage
Fitzgerald says the school told her she needed to either resign or get a divorce after finding out she was married to another woman.
That personnel matter is now part of a legal dispute with the school.
The Archbishop says the issues have nothing to do with sexual orientation but is about the Catholic Church belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.
While these voices stand in solidarity, there were a few parents who approached us supporting Roncalli’s stance on the guidance counselor. They fear going on camera & being called homophobic. @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/B94QsrH3BO
— Rafael Sánchez (@RafaelOnTV) August 23, 2018
Parents, holding signs in support of Fitzgerald lined the sidewalks outside the school as the first meeting ended.
TIMELINE | Roncalli LGBT Counselor Controversy
“I firmly believe this issue was given to Roncalli because this is a place that can make a change and can make a difference,” said Shawn Aldrich, alum and parent of Roncalli student.
READ | Roncalli president cancels board meeting where protests planned in support of counselor
“She’s a good person,” said parent Angela Rooney. “She’s done a great job for the last 15 years, to me no real reason why she can’t continue to do her job.”
A few parents also approached reporters outside the school saying they supported Roncalli’s decision, but those parents said they did not want to go on camera because they were afraid of being called names.
The school will continue the parent meetings over the next few days.
MORE | Roncalli guidance counselor speaks out after she says she was asked to resign over same-sex marriage | Former students say counselor same-sex marriage controversy sheds light on Roncalli culture | Indiana state representative wants to block public funds from Roncalli | Roncalli board member resigns, voices support for school counselor's same-sex marriage
