Former Assistant Principal Files Lawsuit Against School District Alleging Discrimination and Retaliation
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David Francis-Maurer, a former assistant principal at Cherry Hill High School East, has taken legal action against the school district, claiming he was unjustly terminated after raising concerns about alleged unethical conduct by board of education members. In a complaint filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County, Francis-Maurer alleges that he faced retaliation from school officials after his contract was not renewed following his objections.
The complaint states that Francis-Maurer was put on administrative leave and eventually had his contract terminated when he reported his concerns to the Cherry Hill Board of Education. It is claimed that instead of addressing his complaints, the school officials subjected him to targeted retaliation, as outlined in the legal filing obtained by PEOPLE.
Francis-Maurer contends that the school principal instructed him to “leave his identities ‘at the door,'” a comment believed to be a reference to his sexual orientation as a gay individual and his practice of Judaism. The lawsuit also highlights an incident where the principal allegedly made derogatory remarks about his religious and sexual identities in a public setting.
Moreover, the complaint details an Instagram post featuring the principal lip-syncing to a soundbite that belittled gender identity and subsequent dismissive behaviour when concerns were raised about the post. Francis-Maurer maintains that despite addressing these issues with school officials, his complaints were disregarded, leading to a series of discriminatory actions against him.
Following a performance review that rated him as “partially-effective,” Francis-Maurer was placed on an improvement plan by the principal. Subsequently, he received a letter stating that his contract would not be renewed for the upcoming academic year. In response to this decision, parents and students organised a walkout in support of Francis-Maurer, highlighting the impact he had made within the school community.
At a hearing held in July, attended by school officials and students, Francis-Maurer spoke out against the alleged retaliation he faced, expressing his belief that his concerns raised important issues related to student safety and professional standards. The lawsuit also mentions the discriminatory treatment Francis-Maurer claims to have endured based on his sexual orientation and religious beliefs.
The allegations in the complaint encompass various forms of discrimination and disparate treatment, including violations of New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act. Francis-Maurer is seeking legal remedies that include reinstatement of employment, back pay, and other benefits, as outlined in the lawsuit.
In response to the legal action, Cherry Hill Public Schools issued a statement acknowledging the lawsuit but declined to comment on ongoing personnel matters due to pending litigation. The district denied any wrongdoing and reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students and staff.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the importance of upholding anti-discrimination laws and ensuring a safe and respectful environment within educational institutions. The outcome of this lawsuit may have broader implications for addressing discrimination and retaliation in school settings, emphasizing the significance of protecting the rights of individuals within the education system.