Former Denver principal files federal lawsuit claiming culture of misogyny, racism

A former Cherry Creek principal has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the district has harbored a culture of misogyny and racism for years. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court in Denver.

According to the Denver Gazette, Linda Maccagnan stated that the district forced her to resign as a result of her complaints of discriminatory conduct. Her complaints included, but were not limited to, unequal pay for women. Maccagnan’s lawsuit is similar to the Title IX complaint she filed with the U.S. Department of Education last year.

In her complaint, she alleged that women administrators are underpaid in similar roles as male colleagues with far less experience, and also threats of firing for reporting misbehavior or conduct. This is the second Title IX investigation that is ongoing in the district. The district is also facing five racial discrimination inquiries. 

A spokesperson for the district stated they were aware of the lawsuit. Abbe Smith said, “We stand by our statement in response to the Title IX complaint.”

The district had said previously about Maccagnan’s complaint, “We are confident that we have the facts and documentation to prove to (the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights) that Ms. Maccagnan’s case is unfounded and that many of the allegations she makes are inaccurate and misleading.”