Former Roncalli Counselor Files Appeal On Recent Judgment In Discrimination Lawsuit

A judge ruled in favor of Roncalli High School and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in a discrimination lawsuit last week, but the plaintiff’s lawyer is filing an appeal of the decision.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has been named in multiple lawsuits in recent years, after schools it oversees fired employees for being in same-sex marriages or civil unions.

Lynn Starkey is one of two guidance counselors who sued after being fired from Roncalli High School for being gay. Her case recently received what’s called a summary judgment in favor of the Archdiocese.

After the ruling, legal representatives for the Archdiocese praised the decision in a statement and said it affirms the right for its schools to provide “authentic Catholic education” to families.

But Starkey’s lawyer, Kathleen DeLaney, said she’s appealing the court’s decision.

“The basis of our appeal is that there are facts on our side of the equation that [the judge] did not credit adequately,” DeLaney said.

Two other discrimination cases against the Archdiocese are still pending – including a federal lawsuit brought by Shelly Fitzgerald, and an appeal of a judge’s ruling earlier this year to dismiss a case brought by a former Cathedral High School teacher.

Contact reporter Jeanie at jlindsa@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @jeanjeanielindz.