A deal appears to be in the works between the Diocese of Rockville Centre and a former teacher who says he was unfairly fired from his job at Maria Regina School in Seaford.

Michael Califano has agreed to a "settlement in principle" in his federal civil rights lawsuit against the diocese, according to court documents.

Califano believes he was terminated because he is gay.

It is not yet clear if the agreement allows him to return to the classroom.