A Catholic school has fired a teacher who refuses to comply with a new diocesan policy to display an American flag in all classrooms – arguing that doing so contradicts his Catholic faith!

A Bridgeport teacher says he was fired because he refused to display the American flag in his classroom.

Stephen Kobasa taught English at Kolbe-Cathedral High School. He didn't want a flag in his classroom. He says it conflicts with his Catholic faith and teaching beliefs.

Stephen Kobasa says,"In the room there was a crucifix, a depiction of the executed Christ, which cancels all flags. It would simply be a contradiction for me to maintain them both."

Kobasa says he offered a compromise in which he agreed to display the flag at the start of the school day so students could say the Pledge of Allegiance if they wanted, then he would remove the flag. He says the diocesan superintendent rejected that compromise.

Having the American flag in class is part of a new Bridgeport diocese policy.

School administrators wouldn't comment on Kobasa, except to say they will not discuss personnel matters.

First, this is a simple case of termination for insubordination. The diocese made a reasonable rule regarding the display of the flag. The teacher refused to comply, preferring to substitute his own preference for the policy of his employers. The decision to terminate him is appropriate.

And I’m curious – how can one work for a Catholic school that requires the display of a flag yet try to claim that such a practice contradicts the teachings of the Catholic faith? I know that in four years of Catholic seminary education, I never encountered any such prohibition, nor any such convoluted theological reasoning against the display of a flag.

Posted by: Greg at 11:35 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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