Gay Vice Principal in High School New Jersey Claims He Was Told to Hide His Identity in School Lawsuit
A former New Jersey assistant principal is suing his district for forcing him to hide his sexuality and culture. Openly gay and Jewish David Francis-Maurer sued Cherry Hill East High School’s principal in Camden County Superior Court for telling him to “leave his identities at the door.” He thought the proposal meant not talking about his husband or Jewishness.
Francis-Maurer claims this identity-based statement was systemic discrimination. In February, he wrote a six-page complaint to the Cherry Hill school superintendent about the principal’s comment, drug testing, field trip permissions, and student suicide reports.
The lawsuit alleges Francis-Maurer was retaliated for his complaint. The school district placed him on a performance improvement plan for missing evaluations and organizational division. According to Francis-Maurer, statements justify discrimination.
May saw the end of his 2025-2026 academic contract. Parents and students left to protest this decision. The Cherry Hill East math department also said firing him was wrong. Administration placed Francis-Maurer on leave. He addressed concerns about policy shortcomings while performing several jobs, but his lawsuit contends that his outspokenness may have led to his nonrenewal.
Francis-Maurer sought reinstatement, back pay, and punitive damages. Institutional changes to protect staff from sexual orientation and cultural identity discrimination are also desired.
Cherry Hill schools say they respect everyone and provide a safe, inclusive environment for students and staff.
This case presents educational workplace discrimination concerns. It illustrates the delicate balance between institutional power and individual identity and the need for explicit discriminatory mechanisms and legislative protections. This litigation is considered by many school communities and stakeholders as a test of how seriously schools take inclusion, respect, and equity. This decision may impact identity, equity, and job safeguards in schools.
Sources
News articles from The Advocate reporting on David Francis-Maurer’s lawsuit.
Reports by NJ.com and LGBTQ Nation covering his allegations of being told to suppress his gay and Jewish identities.
Coverage in The Philadelphia Inquirer of the nonrenewal of his contract and responses from the community.
