Teacher fired for being pregnant to appeal, board seeks reinstatement

(Harrisburg) — A midstate teacher who was allegedly fired from her position at a Catholic school because she is pregnant but not married plans to appeal the decision.

Members of the school’s board are also seeking to have her reinstated.

Naiad Reich was fired from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Northumberland County, after she told administrators she planned the pregnancy with her long-time boyfriend but did not intend to get married right away.

She said she was let go because she violated a morality clause in her contract with the Catholic school.

She has until Friday to appeal to the Harrisburg Diocese.

School board member Tony Varano said he’s furious over the decision.

“The real question is, who hasn’t violated the morality clause? It’s a known fact that there are other teachers, other people out there that are in violation, currently,” Varano said, adding no action has been taken against them.

He’s also upset the decision was made without the board’s input.

Varano said singling out Reich could ultimately hurt the school, by tarnishing its reputation and hampering fundraising efforts.

He said he’s hired lawyers to help Reich with her appeal and hopes to see her back in the classroom soon.