Roncalli principal apologizes for using N-word at school assembly

Crystal Hill | IndyStar

Show Caption Hide Caption How Roncalli High became embroiled in same-sex controversy Roncalli High has been wracked by controversy, after the Catholic school in Indianapolis placed a longtime guidance counselor on administrative leave after learning she was in a same-sex marriage.

The principal of Roncalli High School apologized Friday for using the N-word at an all school assembly.

Principal Chuck Weisenbach said in an audio message to parents and faculty that he "deeply regret(s)" using the slur, though he noted that he didn't use it in a "derogatory fashion," according to audio obtained by Fox59. He said he used the word while giving examples of words and phrases that aren't tolerated by the school.

Parents at Friday night's football game at Franklin Central expressed dismay with Weisenbach's use of the word.

“The word should have never been used, even in the context that he was trying to put it in,” said Charles Phillips, 48, whose son is a sophomore at Roncalli. “That’s not what we teach our son.”

A parent of a Roncalli senior who didn't want to be named said that some black students were upset by the word's use.

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IndyStar has reached out to Weisenbach for comment.

The incident is the second involving the racial slur to make news in Indianapolis recently. Longtime Colts radio announcer Bob Lamey used the racial slur while recounting a story he heard during his broadcasting career. The team then announced his retirement on Sunday.

It also comes amid the Catholic school's controversy surrounding the possible termination of a guidance counselor who is in a same-sex marriage. Shelly Fitzgerald has been on leave since Aug. 12. Since then, parents and students have rallied and expressed their support for her.

Roncalli defended its position, saying its contract stipulates that employees must uphold the values of the Catholic church, including marriage "between a man and a woman."

Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson reiterated that stance in an open letter posted Tuesday to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis' website. Thompson wrote that while church teaching doesn't explicitly say being gay is a sin, the nature of marriage is a "permanent partnership between one man and one woman..."

Fitzgerald told IndyStar the school's administration gave her an ultimatum: dissolve her same-sex marriage or risk her job. It is unknown when a decision regarding Fitzgerald's employment will be made.

Counselor at Roncalli High School suspended over same-sex marriage Shelly Fitzgerald, a Roncalli High School counselor was placed on administrative leave after a parishioner voiced concern about her sexual orientation

Call IndyStar reporter Crystal Hill at 317-444-6094. Follow her on Twitter: @crysnhill.