Portsmouth, Va. - Portsmouth parents are speaking out about a school principal who allegedly fired two teachers over a pizza party.
The parents gathered together in the cold weather outside Portsmouth Catholic School Tuesday night to demand answers from the administration on why two of their favorite teachers are no longer employed.
NewsChannel 3 met exclusively with a group of parents Monday night, just hours after they said two teachers were fired because they held a Christmas pizza lunch.
The parents say the new school principal banned any parties during the school day, but argue that the teachers simply brought pizza in for the lunch hour.
"We want someone from the Diocese now!" one parent demanded.
When NewsChannel 3 contacted the school for comment on these allegations, they said they had none and asked us to contact the Catholic Diocese in Richmond.
When contacted the Diocese they told us they couldn't comment due to personnel privacy rules.
"Now we're firing teachers for having a Christmas party? What's wrong with the picture?" asked one parent.
As these parents tried to get answers from the school board at their meeting Tuesday night, they were locked out of the school and police were called in.
NewsChannel 3 counted four Portsmouth police officers that showed up.
Police said the parents were not breaking any laws and allowed them to continue their protest.
The parents said they are prepared to continue this fight for their children and the teachers they love and respect.
"That's what we're fighting, not only that our children are left without teachers, but the fact that such a wrong has been done to these individuals who are wonderful educators who have been great for our children," Bailey added.
The parents say a third teacher quit Tuesday because she was so overwhelmed by what's been going on at the school.
The group of parents said they plan to meet with the Superintendent of schools Wednesday. They are also considering a trip to Richmond to speak to the Diocese face to face.
NewsChannel 3 will release more information as it becomes available.
The parents gathered together in the cold weather outside Portsmouth Catholic School Tuesday night to demand answers from the administration on why two of their favorite teachers are no longer employed.
NewsChannel 3 met exclusively with a group of parents Monday night, just hours after they said two teachers were fired because they held a Christmas pizza lunch.
The parents say the new school principal banned any parties during the school day, but argue that the teachers simply brought pizza in for the lunch hour.
"We want someone from the Diocese now!" one parent demanded.
When NewsChannel 3 contacted the school for comment on these allegations, they said they had none and asked us to contact the Catholic Diocese in Richmond.
When contacted the Diocese they told us they couldn't comment due to personnel privacy rules.
"Now we're firing teachers for having a Christmas party? What's wrong with the picture?" asked one parent.
As these parents tried to get answers from the school board at their meeting Tuesday night, they were locked out of the school and police were called in.
NewsChannel 3 counted four Portsmouth police officers that showed up.
Police said the parents were not breaking any laws and allowed them to continue their protest.
The parents said they are prepared to continue this fight for their children and the teachers they love and respect.
"That's what we're fighting, not only that our children are left without teachers, but the fact that such a wrong has been done to these individuals who are wonderful educators who have been great for our children," Bailey added.
The parents say a third teacher quit Tuesday because she was so overwhelmed by what's been going on at the school.
The group of parents said they plan to meet with the Superintendent of schools Wednesday. They are also considering a trip to Richmond to speak to the Diocese face to face.
NewsChannel 3 will release more information as it becomes available.
