Maryland Teacher Sues Over Allegations of Racism
A high school teacher in Maryland has initiated legal proceedings, claiming he was wrongfully accused of racism following a classroom disagreement about seat assignments.
Dan Engler, who previously taught health and English and coached the rowing team at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School (B-CC) in Montgomery County, is suing Principal Shelton L. Mooney and the Montgomery County Public Schools Board. He alleges they caused him personal harm by mishandling a classroom incident that occurred in 2023.
According to Engler’s lawsuit, two students in his health class were asked to move to their assigned seats. Engler insisted the students—who are Black—return to their designated spots to help him learn their names and maintain order, but they declined.
Later, the students reported the incident to the assistant principal, alleging that Engler had implied he couldn’t speak to them separately, suggesting a racial connotation. This claim seems to have complicated matters.
Engler’s lawyer argues that some confusion may stem from a previous incident in Engler’s English class where he read quotes that included a racial slur. Although Engler apologized and clarified it wasn’t intended as a racist comment, word of the incident spread, leading some students to request not to be placed in his class.
After the students complained, Principal Mooney was directed to follow a “Hate Bias Incident” protocol. The next day, Engler was put on paid administrative leave while an investigation took place.
Just two days later, Mooney sent emails to the school community announcing that a “biased incident” had taken place, mentioning that “several African-American students” had difficulty distinguishing one another in class, and that local police had been notified of the inquiry.
Mooney emphasized the school’s firm stance against discrimination, stating it would not be tolerated. While Engler wasn’t named in the emails, he soon became identifiable to students, parents, and staff. He maintains he didn’t make any statements that would reasonably align with a “hate bias case.”
The complaint alleges that Engler’s reputation was irreparably harmed due to Mooney’s actions, claiming he was subjected to flawed protocols and was not offered an apology or retraction before the investigation concluded.
Upon returning to work, Engler claims Mooney did not engage in any conversation about the matter with him. Finding a “restorative justice” circle held in his classroom upon his return was particularly upsetting for Engler.
He described the incident as a severe blow to his mental health, leading him to take a year-and-a-half disability leave before moving to a different school within the district.
“I love teaching, I love coaching,” Engler stated. “And I genuinely care about my relationships with those kids. It was devastating to lose their trust based on what leadership had to say about me.”
The investigation ultimately found no grounds for disciplinary action against Engler, as it failed to substantiate any hate bias claim regarding the classroom event. Still, the damage had already been done. Mooney’s email allegedly labeled him as racist, which tarnished his reputation and drove him away from B-CC, along with losing his coaching position.
Engler has described the situation as a wake-up call regarding virtue signaling within the educational environment. He insisted he’s the one paying the price for it, claiming that the legal fight has cost his family over $300,000.
After trying to resolve the matter through administrative channels, Engler filed his lawsuit in August 2023. The trial began on Monday.
Efforts to contact the defendant’s attorney for comments have been unsuccessful, and the Montgomery County Public Schools Board stated it couldn’t comment on ongoing litigation. Mooney has also not responded to requests for commentary.
