A band director at a Macon Catholic school who was fired after disclosing plans to marry his same-sex partner, has reached a settlement with the school in his discrimination suit.
Flint Dollar, who now lives in New York, alleged he was fired in May of 2014 over plans to marry his same-sex partner, claiming discrimination.
Dollar sought back pay, reinstatement, compensation for emotional pain and suffering, and attorney’s fees.
The school, Mount de Sales Academy, stated at the time Dollar was not fired because of sexual orientation, but because same-sex marriage goes against Catholic doctrine. However, the school handbook makes the claim it is an equal opportunity employer, striving to comply with laws prohibiting various kinds of discrimination, including sexual orientation and marital status.
That statement seemed to undermine the school’s defense, possibly leading to a settlement. An investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that reasonable cause did exist that Dollar had been terminated due to issues related to his sexual orientation.
Dollar stated in his case that he had fully complied with the school’s Professional Excellence Standards while employed, and that the school’s handbook shows no requirement for teachers to be members of the Catholic Church, nor that they adhere to church teachings and standards related to marriage.
The President of Mount de Sales Academy, David Helms, was quoted in the Macon Telegraph as saying, “the parties have reached a confidential settlement to resolve this matter to the mutual satisfaction of both parties.”
Complete Article HERE!