ECCE was formed in 2024 by Seattle Archdiocese staff and parishioners in response to the unjust covenant non-renewal of a teacher based on her plan to marry a same-sex partner.

Across the country, all teachers sign a one-year contract to secure their position for the following school year. In Catholic schools, teachers sign a covenant in which they also agree to teach faith formation in accordance with Catholic doctrine. Currently in the Seattle Archdiocese, there is a clause in the covenant that reads “effective teaching includes conducting oneself in a manner consistent with the religious, moral, and ethical principles of the Catholic Church both on and off school premises.”

ECCE was established to unite teachers, parents, and concerned community members; speaking out against the unjust and discriminatory use of this provision to fire valued educators with no regard for teaching performance. The provision has been inconsistently interpreted and applied throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle. This has created unnecessary division and the loss of beloved family and friends from our communities. There are successful, faith-filled Catholic schools and universities across the country that have removed this lifestyle clause from their teacher contracts.

We believe this provision is unnecessary and needs immediate removal in order to retain exceptional educators committed to the mission of Catholic education.