OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Students, parents and alumni of an Omaha Catholic high school are among the thousands who’ve signed an online petition calling for the school to reverse its decision to fire a teacher over his same-sex relationship.

The change.org petition seeks to save the job of Matthew Eledge, an English teacher and Skutt Catholic High School’s speech team coach. His team recently won its fourth straight state championship.

According to petition organizer and Eledge’s assistant coach, Kacie Hughes, Eledge was told his contract would not be renewed if he went ahead with plans to marry his partner. Eledge was traveling Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

The petition launched Tuesday morning had 9,000 signatures by midafternoon.

Skutt President John McMahon declined to comment, citing the school’s personnel confidentiality policy.