News Summary

Craig Clark, a former cross country and track coach at Cherry Creek High School, has sued the Cherry Creek School District for wrongful termination after alleging retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. Clark’s claims include violation of military rights and his reputation being damaged due to the fallout from his whistleblowing. The community has rallied behind him, demonstrating their support through petitions and protests. As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions regarding workplace conduct and accountability within the school’s athletic programs.

Cherry Creek Coach Sues School District for Wrongful Termination

Cherry Creek, a vibrant suburban community, is currently buzzing with a significant legal case involving a former high school coach. Craig Clark, who held the position of cross country and track coach at Cherry Creek High School since 2016, has decided to take a stand by filing a federal lawsuit against the Cherry Creek School District and some of his former colleagues. This situation has transformed from a troubling coaching career into a major legal dispute that has caught the attention of students, parents, and teachers alike.

A Long and Proud History

Clark’s journey in education began as a beloved coach and has flourished since then. In addition to his coaching career, he started teaching social studies at Cherry Creek High School in 2021. Throughout his time, he was not only dedicated to guiding his athletes but also wore the badge of a military service member. Clark, who is an active-duty member of the military, served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. His commitment to both his students and his service has earned him respect from many in the community.

Whistleblower Claims

However, the situation took a troubling turn for Clark in 2023 when he raised alarms about alleged sexual harassment happening under his watch. He reported incidents involving an assistant coach, claiming that this behavior established a hostile work environment for his athletes. Disturbingly, the troubling conduct included unwanted hugging and inappropriate touching, which was reported not only by his athletes but also by his own daughter.

A Hostile Response?

Despite his efforts to speak up, Clark alleges that his concerns fell on deaf ears, as his superiors, including the head track coach, allegedly dismissed his claims. Following these reports, it was revealed that some athletes chose to quit training with the assistant coach, driven by fears of potential harassment. An internal investigation did lead to the suspension of the assistant coach, but for Clark, the fallout became personal.

Consequences of Standing Up

After raising the red flags, Clark claims he was met with retaliation from the head coach. Disagreements began to brew, creating an uncomfortable work atmosphere that ultimately led to a stormy end for Clark. The resulting tension culminated in his termination by the athletic director. He was told that his coaching philosophy was simply not in alignment with what was desired.

Community Support and Petitions

What followed was remarkable. Student athletes took a stand, showing support for Clark by protesting with shirts that read “I run for Clark.” An impressive petition with nearly 500 signatures emerged, voicing the community’s desire to see him reinstated. This remarkable show of solidarity indicates just how much he is valued by his students.

The Alleged Misconduct Deepens

Clark’s lawsuit doesn’t stop there. It accuses the district of violating the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) when he was allegedly let go during his military deployment. For Clark, the loss of his job prior to a deployment in May 2024 has not only had emotional ramifications but has also sparked a dispute over potentially damaging repercussions to his professional reputation.

Seeking Justice

As this intricate story unfolds, Clark is pursuing unspecified monetary damages for emotional distress, humiliation, and damage to his reputation. He feels that the negative impacts of this incident warrant a serious examination. The Cherry Creek community is following this legal battle closely, as the outcome could have lasting effects on both its schools and the values of accountability and respect within its athletic programs.

Conclusion

To this day, the tale of Craig Clark serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up against inappropriate behavior in all workplaces. The legal battle ahead will surely bring more revelations and, perhaps, encourage a closer look at how athletes, coaches, and schools handle grievances. It’s a critical moment for Cherry Creek, one that could influence discussions about safety and support for athletes in schools everywhere.

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