BUZZ
Award almost seven times what teacher had sought
The Maryland teacher accused of making “racist” comments regarding a classroom seating chart has been awarded over half a million dollars by a jury.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School’s Daniel Engler allegedly had told two black students he would not “be able to tell them apart” if they weren’t seated in their assigned seats.
Engler denied making “any type of racial comment” and had disputed the students’ version of events.” But Principal Shelton Mooney sent out a “communitywide letter” labeling the interaction as a “hate-bias incident.”
Engler ended up suing Mooney and the Montgomery County Public Schools Board, claiming among other things the principal did not give him an opportunity to defend himself, and that he “made up” the comment about Engler not being to distinguish between the two students.
During the trial, Mooney admitted he fabricated “a partial quote” in his community message, but claimed it “expressed the sentiments of students who witnessed an incident.”
Engler’s attorney David Wachen called the situation “a case of ‘shoot first and ask questions later.’”
Late last month, a jury sided with Engler after a week-long trial, ruling the Montgomery County Public Schools Board must pay Engler $518,000 in damages, Bethesda Today reports.
Engler told Bethesda Today the verdict was “a tremendous relief.”
“[Teachers are] human and are not mistake-free and have good hearts and they should be treated that way,” he said. “I believe this verdict is an illustration that what I’m saying is true … so that means a great deal to me.”
School board spokesperson Christie Scott said Thursday afternoon that the board wasn’t able to comment on the verdict. Mooney and his attorney, David Kaminow, declined to comment after the verdict was released.
The trial included testimony from Mooney, Engler and several other B-CC community members, including students who were in the class at the time.
Engler had sought just over $75,000, but the jury opted for almost seven times that amount. It also determined the board had defamed Engler, but Principal Mooney did not.
Kaminow had argued his client “wasn’t at fault” as other district officials “helped to make the decision” on sending the community letter.
MORE: Maryland teacher’s lawsuit over ‘racist’ seating chart comments now in court
IMAGE CAPTION & CREDIT: A jury listens to testimony; Jury Service Overview/YouTube
