A middle school dean in Colorado was allegedly fired for opposing a critical race theory training session by calling himself a proud American.
The Cherry Creek School District is facing a lawsuit from America First Legal, accusing the district of violating the First Amendment by wrongfully terminating Patrick Hogarty, the former dean of students at Campus Middle School. According to Fox News, Hogarty’s termination followed his remarks during a mandatory diversity training session where he expressed views critical of CRT.
During the session, participants were asked questions such as “What does it mean to be white?” and “What experiences define whiteness?” Hogarty responded by stating that he identifies as an American, loves his country, and believes it to be the greatest nation ever founded.
The lawsuit claimed that while Hogarty was told his comments would remain confidential, the district’s equity director reported them as having “racist undertones.” Shortly after, Hogarty was dismissed, with the district citing budget cuts as the reason for his termination. However, the lawsuit argued that budget records indicate an increase in funds for staffing allocations, suggesting that the budget justification was a cover for his firing.
The lawsuit has argued that Hogarty’s dismissal was due to his refusal to align with the district’s CRT teachings.
“Disguised as a ‘budget cut,’ Mr. Hogarty’s position as dean was eliminated because the district found Mr. Hogarty’s pride in the United States of America incompatible with the district’s political ideology that America is a systemically racist nation,” the lawsuit stated.
Ian Prior, Senior Advisor for America First Legal, criticized the district’s actions, claiming they reflect a broader trend of schools replacing foundational American values with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles.
“Like other school districts across the country, Cherry Creek has replaced the Bill of Rights with the ‘DEI Manifesto,’ and teachers, students, and parents are being silenced for standing up for the values that make America great,” Prior told Fox News in a statement.
“We are proud to stand up for all teachers across America who are being unfairly persecuted for daring to challenge a government-sponsored orthodoxy that teaches hatred of America and seeks to marginalize people based on their viewpoints and the color of their skin,” he added.
