Mark Zmuda, the Vice-Principal of Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, Washington, fired from his teaching job, has brought a civil claim against the School. Back in December GLAAD told you about Mark Zmuda's firing from Eastside for marrying the man he loves. Zmuda's firing was met with a groundswell of protests from students, parents and alumnists. The protests forced Sister Mary Tracy, Eastside's President, to resign. Most recently the students started "I Support Mr. Z Day". The Archdiocese of Seattle is also named in the discrimination and wrongful termination claim.
Attorneys for the school and the Archdiocese of Seattle have already drafted a motion for dismissal of the lawsuit, saying Zmuda knew that his same-sex marriage goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. The dismissal cites state law that provides religious schools with immunity from civil claims. The motion to dismiss alleges that the school is not required to acknowledge Zmuda's marriage and that he is prohibited from suing.
According to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by KING 5, in January 2013, then school president Sister Mary Tracy asked Zmuda if he was gay. When he said "yes," Tracy asked him not to bring his same-sex partner to any school related events. Zmuda agreed. In July 2013, Zmuda married his long time partner. In November, the lawsuit states school administrators asked Zmuda if he was gay. When he confirmed, Tracy told him the school would pay for a "commitment ceremony" if Zmuda got a divorce. When Zmuda refused to get a divorce, he was fired.