It wasn’t just an ornamental piece; it was a foundational pillar demanding staff toe the line with Catholic teachings, including the eschewal of premarital relations.
The school’s firm stance? Crisitello breached this sacred contract.
Echoing like the resounding clang of a gavel, Justice Lee Solomon penned the court’s sentiment: “The uncontroverted fact is that St. Theresa’s followed the religious tenets of the Catholic Church in terminating Crisitello.” But in the vast hallways of justice, not all voices harmonized.
Justice Fabiana Pierre Louis, while nodding in agreement with the outcome, marched to a different drum regarding the legal pathway taken.
Legal Gladiators in the Arena
In the blue corner, St. Theresa was armored with the prowess of Peter G. Verniero and Michael S. Carucci of Sills Cummis & Gross PC, aided by Christopher H. Westrick of Carella Byrne Cecchi Olstein Brody & Agnello PC. The red corner saw Thomas A. McKinney of Castronovo & McKinney LLC battling for Crisitello. And hovering above this legal coliseum, solicitor general Jeremy Feigenbaum stood vigilant, representing the state’s vested interest.
