Patrick Hogarty, a former dean of students at Campus Middle School in Cherry Creek School District, has filed a lawsuit against the district after being terminated for expressing pride in the United States during a mandatory DEI training. The lawsuit, filed by America First Legal, claims that Hogarty’s First Amendment rights were violated when he was let go for stating that he identifies as an American who believes the U.S. is the “greatest country in the world.”
The incident occurred in January 2024, during a required diversity training in which Hogarty responded to a question about his experience as a white U.S. citizen. His response was reported to the school’s principal by the district’s equity director, who accused Hogarty of promoting “racist undertones.” By March, the district had eliminated Hogarty’s position, citing “budgetary reasons,” but Hogarty contends that the termination was in direct response to his patriotic statement.
Ian Prior, senior advisor for America First Legal, denounced the district’s actions, arguing that Hogarty’s firing exemplifies a broader problem in education. “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 said.
The lawsuit alleges that the district’s justification for eliminating Hogarty’s position was a cover for political retaliation, as his views conflicted with the DEI-driven narrative that America is inherently racist. Hogarty was subsequently placed on administrative leave for “unprofessional conduct” after challenging the district’s reasoning.
This case reflects a growing clash between free speech and DEI initiatives in schools, with educators like Hogarty finding themselves penalized for expressing views that don’t align with the prevailing ideology. The lawsuit aims to defend Hogarty’s right to express pride in his country without fear of retribution.
