Maryland Teacher Secures $500K Defamation Verdict Over Racial Allegation
A Montgomery County Circuit Court jury has awarded a former Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School English teacher, Dan Engler, $500,000 in a defamation case involving a 2023 incident where he was falsely accused of racism in a school-wide email. The verdict comes after a lengthy trial that examined the circumstances and handling of the incident, which the school board and principal were found liable for.
The case started with an incident in 2023 when two Black students refused to sit in their assigned seats in Engler’s classroom. They later reported to the assistant principal, claiming that Engler had told them he could not distinguish them from other students because of their race. While Engler denies making that claim, the school quickly responded by sending a school-wide email to staff, parents, and students, labeling the situation a ‘hate bias incident.’
The email, which was sent by then-principal Shelton Mooney, stated that several African American students had been told by a teacher that they could not be distinguished from other African American students, with the Montgomery County Police Department being involved in an ongoing internal investigation. Although Engler was not named in the email, he quickly became the target of the allegations. He maintains that he did not say what was reported and that the situation was not a ‘hate bias incident.’
Engler’s lawsuit argued that the email not only damaged his professional reputation but also violated MCPS policies by being sent before a complete investigation. The lawsuit also alleged that the school board failed to issue a retraction or apology for the allegations. The jury found the school board liable for defamation but was not able to hold Principal Mooney personally responsible for the incident. Mooney reportedly resigned and accepted a different position at another MCPS school.
The experience took a significant toll on Engler’s mental health, with him going on disability leave for a year and a half before resuming teaching at a different school in the district. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he spoke about the personal and professional impact of the incident, expressing relief over the verdict that he believes validates his position. He also emphasized the importance of treating all teachers with respect, recognizing their dedication to students’ education and development.
While the school board declined to comment on the case, Mooney’s lawyer did not return a request for comment. The verdict has been seen as a significant moment in the ongoing discussions about accountability, defamation, and the handling of allegations within educational institutions. As a result, it may contribute to broader conversations about the balance between addressing perceived bias and protecting the rights of individuals accused of such behavior.