New Jersey Catholic high school Imaculata High School forced its theology teacher Patricia Jannuzzi to deactivate her Facebook page after celebrities complained about posts saying homosexuality was a choice and warning it would lead Western civilization into extinction. (RELATED: High School Teacher Gets Paid Leave For Assigning Raunchy Gay Sex Poem)
The controversy began in earnest when Greg Bennett, a former star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” tweeted out one of her posts and called her a “nightmare dumpster human.”
This nightmare dumpster human taught me in high school, and still teaches there. Keep it classy, Immaculata pic.twitter.com/CD9m6WlwOP
— Greg Bennett (@GreggyBennett) March 9, 2015
That in turn led to a change.org petition. “This kind of behavior needs to be stopped,” the petition reads in part. “There is a line between believing in God and professing anti-homosexual sentiment to the public. We should be preaching the good word of the Lord, not creating a hostile and combative environment.”
Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon shared a Facebook post on the issue written by her nephew, giving the issue even more exposure. “So proud of my nephew Scott and the dialogue he started,” Sarandon said on Facebook. “He was responding to a teacher he had at his high school who still believes that homosexuality is a learned behavior. High school is a tough time anyway… students don’t need teachers making it even more difficult.” (RELATED: Students Try To Banish Catholic Chaplain For Anti-Gay Stance)
Eventually, the school caved, forcing Jannizzi to delete her Facebook and sending a letter to parents on Thursday explaining their decision: “In response to recent postings on social media by an individual who teaches at Immaculata High School, it is important to understand that the opinions reflected in these posts do not in any way represent the philosophy, mission or student experience of this high school. We are dedicated to creating a school environment that promotes mutual respect and provides a challenging academic program, rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.”