School Rejects Student Over Gay Parents, Sparks Parent Exodus

Parents at Catholic School Face Difficult Decision

Parents at a Catholic school in Portland, Oregon, are dealing with a tough decision after the pastor of the school decided to cancel an enrollment offer for the child of a same-sex couple. This incident has sparked significant debate and emotional turmoil among families connected to St. Agatha Catholic School in Southeast Portland.

Anne Smeraglio, a parent at the school, is one of several families considering withdrawing their children from the institution. She emphasized that "silence is acceptance," highlighting the growing concern among parents who feel the school's actions contradict its values.

The situation came to light when a family headed by a same-sex couple was invited for a "shadow day" for their child. The school was aware of the parents' sexual orientation, as they requested anonymity for their safety. One parent shared that their child had a wonderful experience during the visit, even expressing excitement about returning to the school.

However, a month later, the family was called into a meeting with the Rev. Father Luan Tran, the pastor of the neighboring St. Agatha Catholic Church. During this meeting, the principal presented them with a refund for their registration fee. According to the parent, Tran expressed concerns about protecting young children from seeing families like theirs, stating that such a presence could be seen as a scandal.

Tran reportedly mentioned that in Catholicism, marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. He questioned how other children in the class would react if they learned that the child had two parents of the same sex. The parents have not yet informed their child about the change, as they struggle with the emotional impact of the decision.

The news of Tran's actions spread quickly through the St. Agatha community and the surrounding Sellwood neighborhood, where most of the school's families live. This led to widespread outrage and discussions about the school's values and practices.

Kari Kamper, a parent of two graduates from St. Agatha, took a stand by writing to Tran. She announced that her family would pause financial support for the school and the church, encouraging others in the community to do the same until a more inclusive approach is restored. Kamper argued that excluding a family based on sexual orientation contradicts the teachings of Jesus, who welcomed the marginalized and loved without conditions.

Her letter highlighted the harmful message sent to students and the broader community—that some people are unworthy of belonging. She emphasized that this is not the lesson children should learn from a Catholic school.

In response to the controversy, Tran addressed the issue in an email to the parents. He stated that the decision was made under his pastoral authority and discernment, as the pastor of both the parish and the school. His actions align with the archdiocese's recent shift towards a more conservative stance.

In late 2024, the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education released a new mission statement aimed at providing a clear vision for Catholic schools. This guidance was mandated by Archbishop Alexander Sample, who has promoted an evangelical approach to education that aligns more closely with what he considers the core historical teachings of the Catholic Church.

Sample, appointed by Benedict XVI, represents a more orthodox perspective within the church. This context adds complexity to the current situation at St. Agatha, as the school navigates the balance between traditional teachings and modern inclusivity.

Smeraglio, one of the parents contemplating leaving the school, hopes for a reversal of the decision and an apology from Tran. However, she is conflicted. She acknowledges that societal changes in recent years have been driven by individuals who stood up against injustice. Yet, she also fears the potential harm to the school, which has provided a positive environment for her child.

As the debate continues, the situation at St. Agatha highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Catholic schools in balancing religious teachings with the evolving values of society. The outcome of this conflict will likely have lasting implications for the community and the future of the school.