Chief Justice Dr. Abdulai Conteh has reserved judgment in a landmark lawsuit from a former primary school teacher who is seeking constitutional redress from the catholic public school's management.
Maria Roches was 'released' from her job at Santa Cruz R.C. School in Toledo last year after she became pregnant out of wedlock. Roches' attorney Dean Barrow today submitted to the chief justice that Roches' dismissal was unconstitutional because it violated her right against discrimination based on race, sex or creed. He also added that the church's refusal to re-instate Roches after being instructed to do so by the ministry of education is illegal. Barrow says his client is asking for her job back or damages.
Attorney for the catholic school's management Phillip Zuniga argued that even though they receive government subventions - catholic schools are not public entities. Therefore, Zuniga says they are not bound to adhere to the stipulations in the Education Act.
The chief justice will weigh that argument including others brought up which include whether Roches should be suing the chief education officer for failing to sanction catholic schools management for discrimination.
And while Conteh weighs those issues, you can weigh in on our web poll and tell us if you think Roches' release was justified.