Lawsuit: Colorado Middle School Dean of Students Allegedly Fired for Identifying as a Proud American

A school district in Colorado faced legal action after removing a dean of students who opposed critical race theory in professional development, despite initially assuring no repercussions for open dialogue.

On Wednesday, America First Legal (AFL) filed a lawsuit against the Cherry Creek School District, alleging that the district violated the First Amendment by terminating Patrick Hogarty's employment after he expressed his opposition to CRT during a mandatory diversity training session.

According to a lawsuit obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, Mr. Hogarty's position as dean was eliminated because the district deemed his pride in the United States of America incompatible with their political ideology that America is a systemically racist nation, disguising it as a "budget cut."

According to the suit, Hogarty, who served as dean of students at Campus Middle School from 2021 to 2024, expressed his belief in American identity and the greatness of the United States during a session on race and equity through the "Courageous Conversations" program.

Hogarty was asked, "What does it mean to be White?"; "What experiences define Whiteness?"; "How do you identify?"

Hogarty stated that he identifies as an American, loves his country, and believes it is the greatest country ever founded.

The district's equity director reported the statements of the district's assurance director, which were deemed to have "racist undertones."

Despite increased staffing allocations, the district eliminated his position shortly after, citing budgetary reasons, the suit said.

The AFL claimed that the employee's dismissal was due to his refusal to accept the race-based ideologies promoted during training. The legal action implicates several senior school officials, including the superintendent and the principal, for their alleged involvement in retaliation.

Cherry Creek school district has replaced the Bill of Rights with the DEI Manifesto, and those who stand up for American values are being silenced, according to Ian Prior, America First Legal Senior Advisor, in a statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that he is proud to support all American teachers who are being unfairly targeted for challenging a government-sponsored ideology that promotes hatred of America and aims to discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs and skin color.

The district did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.