News Archive

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has severed ties with Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School after the school refused to fire a teacher who is in a same-sex marriage, meaning that the Archdiocese no longer recognizes the independent Catholic school as Catholic. Another Indianapolis Catholic high school, Cathedral, announced that it would sever ties with a teacher who is married to a spouse of the same gender. Professor Robert Katz has discussed the issues that have arisen in these developments with Indianapolis news media.

Regarding the Brebeuf announcement, Professor Katz said he believes the move creates a learning opportunity for all students. He was interviewed for a story that appeared on WXIN Fox 59 about the school's decision.

"The takeaway for students from this experience is that you shouldn't do something just because someone in authority tells you to do it," Professor Katz said in the piece. "What Brebeuf has decided to do is define religious teachers as ministers of the faith, but not define say math teachers or drama teachers as ministers of the faith. Role models, yes. But not ministers of the faith."

In another television news story, this one on WRTV Channel 6, Professor Katz explains that the school's non-profit status from the State of Indiana, not the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The school does not need the Archdiocese in order to get the tax exemption, he said.

"Getting their own, or independent tax exemption, as opposed to be under the archdiocese is very simple," Professor Katz said in the story. "They fill out a form."

Professor Katz is an expert on the law of nonprofit organizations. He teaches courses on the law of nonprofit and healthcare organizations, trusts and estates, the First Amendment, and law and religion. He also serves as co-counsel in civil rights litigation.