Federal Lawsuit from Law Office of Craig W. Clark Alleges Retaliation Against Coach Who Reported Sexual Harassment and Military Discrimination

DENVER, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Office of Craig W. Clark announces a federal lawsuit filed Monday, May 5, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The lawsuit alleges that the Cherry Creek School District retaliated against coach and educator Craig Clark as well as his children after he reported the sexual harassment of student-athletes and violations of federal laws protecting military servicemembers.

The lawsuit outlines how Clark, a respected coach and Marine Corps Reserve Officer, was terminated from both his teaching and coaching positions after raising serious concerns about the mistreatment of athletes, participation in an investigation, and the District's failure to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which protects the employment rights of reservists and guardsmen.

Clark began coaching at Cherry Creek High School in 2016, shortly after the sudden death of his daughter Meredith, who would have been a junior this year. "Coaching helped me heal, it gave me a purpose and a way to serve my community," said Clark. "I spoke out because student-athletes deserve a safe and respectful environment, and our laws deserve to be followed. No one should be punished for doing the right thing."

Since his termination, Clark's reputation in the community has suffered from damaging speculation. The statements of, and lack of transparency from, District leadership have allowed confusion to grow, mainly due to unrelated past headlines involving other Cherry Creek High School coaches. Clark's case is not connected in any way to those matters except for his participation in investigations as a witness and mandatory reporter.

"The silence from the District has allowed harmful rumors to grow," said Clark. "That's why I'm speaking out, because the truth matters, and the public deserves to know what really happened."

The complaint alleges that instead of addressing the misconduct Clark reported, District leaders targeted him with a pattern of escalating retaliation, culminating in his dismissal from all roles. The lawsuit highlights what it describes as a "culture of silence" at Cherry Creek High School, where those who report abuse or wrongdoing face consequences instead of support.

In the wake of Clark's termination as a track and field coach, an outpouring of support from students erupted on campus. Beginning just after his termination as a track and field coach on February 23, 2024, Cherry Creek High School students organized protests in solidarity with their coach and started a petition seeking his reinstatement. Many students donned shirts reading "I run for Clark" and publicly voiced support for the well-respected coach and teacher. These student-led demonstrations underscored Clark's positive impact on the school community and highlighted concerns about the circumstances of his firing.

According to Clark's lawsuit, in violation of the First Amendment, District administrators responded to the student protests with:

• Unlawful attempts to silence student speech
• Retaliation against Clark by blacklisting him from coaching opportunities
• Terminating Clark months later as a cross country coach
• Non-renewing Clark as a teacher days before the end of the school year
• Targeting Clark's two children, who also attended Cherry Creek High School 

In addition to his service in the Marine Corps Reserve, Clark is also the Chairman of Pillows.com, a national online bedding retailer, and Homeland.com, a Colorado-based firm that owns and manages commercial real estate. He continues to be an advocate for integrity, accountability, and safe environments for students, servicemembers, and employees alike.

Clark's two children, who were forced to change high schools due to the retaliation they faced from the school, have joined Clark as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Clark and his two children are represented by legal counsel and intend to pursue the case fully through the courts.

SchoolDistrictLaw.com is a legal advocacy initiative operated by the Law Office of Craig W. Clark, Esq., dedicated to representing the students, families, and employees of the Cherry Creek School District who have been silenced, retaliated against, or denied justice. Founded by Craig Clark—a Cherry Creek High School graduate, former teacher, and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Lieutenant Colonel—the firm was born from firsthand experience with the district's entrenched culture of retaliation and institutional silence.

We provide a full spectrum of legal services, including free consultations, limited pro bono representation, and affordable options for disciplinary hearings, IEP/504 meetings, and civil rights cases. Our contingency-based representation model ensures that no one is denied access to justice due to financial limitations.

Craig Clark brings over two decades of legal and educational experience to the fight for accountability in public schools. Through SchoolDistrictLaw.com, we stand with whistleblowers, victims of harassment, and anyone seeking to challenge the culture of silence and fear within the Cherry Creek School District.

SOURCE The Law Office of Craig W. Clark