New York City, N.Y., Aug 4, 2011 / 23:01 pm
A parish pastor in New York City has fired Catholic school principal Frank Borzellieri after controversy over his opinions on race and diversity and his ties to a publication accused of white supremacism.
“Many of the opinions expressed by Mr. Borzellieri in his writings were found to be incompatible with the philosophy and practices of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, and with Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese,” Archdiocese of New York communications director Joseph Zwilling said Aug. 2.
Parish pastor Father Eric Rapaglia of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Fordham made his decision to fire the principal of the Bronx school after consulting with the archdiocesan schools’ superintendent’s office. The decision also followed a “thorough internal review” of Borzellieri’s opinions and a discussion with him.
Fr. Rapaglia also issued a statement on the controversy, stating his fundamental belief that “racism is evil.”