A Colorado dean of students has filed a lawsuit against Cherry Creek School District after being fired for expressing pride in the United States during a mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training session. Patrick Hogarty, who served as dean at Campus Middle School, claims his First Amendment rights were violated when he was terminated following his statement that the U.S. is “the greatest country in the world.”
The incident unfolded during a DEI training session on January 18, 2024. Hogarty, responding to a question about his identity as a white U.S. citizen, stated his belief in the greatness of America. His comments were reported by the district’s equity director, who accused Hogarty of using “racist undertones.” In March, the district eliminated Hogarty’s position, citing “budgetary reasons,” but Hogarty believes the real reason was his pro-American stance during the training.
The lawsuit, filed by America First Legal, argues that the district’s actions were politically motivated and that Hogarty was targeted for not aligning with the district’s DEI ideology, which frames America as a systematically racist nation. “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,” said Ian Prior, senior advisor for America First Legal.
Hogarty was later placed on administrative leave for “unprofessional conduct” after challenging the district’s justification for his termination. The case has sparked national attention as it raises questions about free speech and political retaliation in the education system.
This lawsuit comes at a time when schools across the country are increasingly adopting DEI programs that some argue suppress opposing viewpoints. Hogarty’s case could set a precedent for protecting free speech in the face of politically charged educational initiatives.
