Dear  John xxxxxx,

A dedicated school teacher is facing serious challenges for displaying a symbol of her Catholic Faith—a crucifix—and we need your help to support her.

Mrs. Marisol Arroyo-Castro, a respected 7th grade teacher at DiLoreto Elementary and Middle School in New Britain, Connecticut, has been teaching for 32 years. For the past 10 years, she has proudly displayed a small cross near her desk.

Recently, however, this symbol of her Catholic Faith became a problem for school officials.

Can you help me defend the crucifix?

In a surprising development, the vice-principal informed Mrs. Arroyo-Castro that she must remove the crucifix from her workspace. What had been a cherished symbol for years was now considered inappropriate.

When Mrs. Arroyo-Castro refused to comply, she was called into a meeting with the principal, vice-principal, the district’s Chief of Staff, and a representative from the Connecticut Federation of Teachers. The meeting was tense, and she was told that failure to remove the crucifix could lead to disciplinary action.

She was offered the option of hiding the crucifix under her desk, but she refused to compromise her beliefs. The pressure left her in tears.

What Happened Next

The school principal, Dario Soto, even described the crucifix as an "idol," claiming it was not appropriate for her to honor it in the classroom. Mrs. Arroyo-Castro was given a formal letter of reprimand and warned that she would face suspension or termination if she did not remove the cross.

But she remained steadfast.

The following day, Mrs. Arroyo-Castro arrived at work to find the crucifix had been removed from her classroom. She was suspended and sent home to "reflect" on her actions.

But everyone has the right to honor God. It’s time to support Mrs. Arroyo-Castro and call for the Consolidated School District of New Britain to reinstate her immediately.

Your voice matters to ensure that teachers like Mrs. Arroyo-Castro are supported in their right to practice their Faith.

Add Your Name to Support Mrs. Arroyo-Castro

Thank you for standing up for the Cross of Christ.


John Ritchie
Director, TFP Student Action









www.tfpstudentaction.org
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