JC Catholic Diocese involved in age discrimination suit

A former teacher at St. Francis Xavier School in Taos has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the school and the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City in Cole County Court.

Gregory Holtmeyer was 49 while working at the school in the 2015-16 school year and had 26 years of teaching experience, according to court documents.

Part of the suit reads, "From the moment he began his employment, Holtmeyer was subjected to discrimination, harassment and a hostile work environment because of his age and the perception of a disability."

The suit also names Holtmeyer's supervisor, Michael Buskirk, claiming Buskirk said on more than one occasion it would be in the school's best interest to replace older teachers with younger teachers in an effort to save money, as older teachers were earning too much in salaries.

Holtmeyer claims he complained of discriminatory treatment to Buskirk, who retaliated against Holtemeyer by demeaning his performance as a teacher to get him to resign. Holtmeyer's contract with the school was not renewed.