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Title pursued: Claims by ex-principal against Denver Public Schools can progress under federal judge's ruling

Federal judge declines dismissal of lawsuit initiated by Kurt Dennis, the former principal of McAuliffe International School, who alleges that he was terminated due to his criticisms of Denver Public Schools' safety procedures.

School administrator is given permission to proceed with allegations against Denver Public Schools,...
School administrator is given permission to proceed with allegations against Denver Public Schools, as ruled by a federal judge.

Title pursued: Claims by ex-principal against Denver Public Schools can progress under federal judge's ruling

Kurt Dennis, the former principal of McAuliffe International School, has filed a lawsuit against Denver Public Schools (DPS) alleging wrongful termination. The lawsuit stems from his claims of being fired for criticizing the district's safety policies following a shooting at East High School that left two administrators injured.

Two days after the incident, Dennis shared his concerns about the safety policies with 9News. However, the district argues that Dennis made inappropriate or unacceptable remarks during the interview, a claim that has been met with controversy.

Judge John Kane, presiding over the case, has rejected DPS's motion for dismissal on December 24. In his ruling, Judge Kane stated that FERPA's non-disclosure provisions apply only to institutional policies, not individual actions. He further noted that the information disclosed by Dennis is not covered by FERPA as it was not limited to a school-specific audience, but intended for the general public via a public news channel.

Dennis has expressed a desire for an apology from DPS for what he perceives as wrongdoing. He has also stated that he wants people to know that what DPS did was wrong. His message, he says, is the type of criticism a private citizen could make.

Since his dismissal from DPS, Dennis has struggled to find employment in an education-related field. He has managed to find work as a paraprofessional, a role he says reminds him why he became an educator in the first place. However, this work has come at the cost of his pay and his professional reputation.

It is important to note that there are no specific or recent publicly available updates on the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Kurt Dennis against Denver Public Schools. As such, it may be necessary to consult court records directly, local news outlets covering Denver education or legal matters, or public statements from the parties involved for more detailed and updated information.

The district argues that, as a principal, Dennis is subject to employment-related "disciplinary measures." However, Dennis has developed a deep appreciation for whistleblowers and people who speak up at some level of personal risk. He has expressed a desire for recognition that he was wronged in the course of events.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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