Principal Previously with Denver Public Schools Authorized to Continue Lawsuit Against Institution
In a significant development, a lawsuit filed by Kurt Dennis, the former principal of McAuliffe International School, against Denver Public Schools (DPS) has progressed.
Dennis claims he was wrongfully terminated for criticizing the district's safety policies. His dismissal followed an interview with 9News, during which he voiced his concerns about the school's safety measures.
Judge John Kane, presiding over the case, has stated that, based on the record before him, the information disclosed by Dennis is not covered by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Kane also noted that FERPA's non-disclosure provisions do not apply to individual instances of disclosure.
Dennis argues that his remarks should be afforded First Amendment protections. He believes that what DPS did was wrong and wants the public to know. His intended audience for this message was the general public, delivered via a public news channel.
DPS, however, contends that Dennis made inappropriate or unacceptable remarks during the 9News interview, and that his actions were subject to employment-related "disciplinary measures." The district also argued that Dennis violated student privacy rights.
Judge Kane, however, stated that Dennis's remarks to 9News were not made in an official capacity. He further rejected DPS's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed on December 24.
Since his dismissal from DPS, Dennis has struggled to find employment in an education-related field. He has, however, found work as a paraprofessional, a role he says reminds him why he became an educator in the first place.
Despite extensive searches, no publicly available updates or records regarding this lawsuit have been found in widely accessible legal databases and news sources up to August 2025. Further direct inquiry with DPS legal communications or local Denver court records may be necessary for the latest information if it is not publicly documented online.
Dennis has expressed a desire for an apology from DPS, but as the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this matter will unfold.
In this context, Dennis's job search struggles after being dismissed from DPS highlight the importance of education-and-self-development, demonstrating the impact employment decisions can have on an individual's career path. Amidst the ongoing lawsuit, Dennis continues to advocate for transparency and justice in school safety concerns, emphasizing the significance of free speech and self-advocacy in the education sector.
