'Leave the Gay at the Door': New Jersey School Administrator Sues District Over Alleged Homophobic Retaliation

David Francis-Maurer, known to students as “DFM,” began his tenure as assistant principal for the incoming ninth-grade class at Cherry Hill High School East in 2023. According to the lawsuit filed this week, Francis-Maurer alleges that top administrators at Cherry Hill School District engaged in a “campaign of targeted retaliation” following his whistleblower complaint about discriminatory practices within the school’s administration . Named in the complaint are principal Daniel Finkle, superintendent Kwame Morton, and human resources director Diane Leber, reports said.

The complaint states that Francis-Maurer was subjected to “severe, pervasive, and continuing instances of discrimination” based on his sexual orientation and religious identity. Specifically, the lawsuit recounts that Principal Finkle allegedly made disparaging remarks about queer staff and told Francis-Maurer to “leave the gay at the door." Francis-Maurer is queer and practices Judaism with his family, though he has not formally converted .

When Francis-Maurer raised concerns about these comments, administrators allegedly dismissed his concerns. On February 24, 2025, he submitted a six-page formal complaint to Superintendent Morton, outlining examples of discriminatory behavior and additional failures, including lapses in student safety protocols and insufficient support for students experiencing suicidal ideation .

Following Francis-Maurer’s complaint, the district allegedly placed him on a performance-improvement plan that coincided with spring break and a pre-planned school trip, limiting his ability to demonstrate improvement. The lawsuit contends that this plan was timed to coincide with the district’s deadline for renewing non-tenured staff, suggesting a pretext for non-renewal .

Shortly after these developments, students and parents began organizing a walkout in protest of the district’s decision not to renew Francis-Maurer’s contract. The lawsuit alleges that Superintendent Morton questioned Francis-Maurer about rumors that he had instigated the walkout, which Francis-Maurer denied. Nonetheless, he was placed on administrative leave, further described as “continued retaliation” in the court filing .

In its official statement of non-renewal, the district cited Francis-Maurer’s alleged failure to complete employee evaluations and respond appropriately to feedback. The lawsuit counters this by asserting that the district’s claims were “not only pretextual, but false” .

A July 7 hearing saw students and parents appealing to the school board to reverse their decision and retain Francis-Maurer. The board ultimately declined to take a vote, upholding the non-renewal of his contract .

Francis-Maurer’s legal team, led by Matthew Luber of McOmber McOmber & Luber, has stated: “As alleged in the complaint, our client gave the administration multiple opportunities to remedy the situation, to follow the law, and to do the right thing. The administration failed in every which way, and worse, retaliated against David for raising clear violations of law and acts of discrimination within the school. We are proud of David for standing up for himself and the students he cares so deeply about. He looks forward to his day in court,” Luber said in a public statement .

Francis-Maurer is seeking reinstatement, compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and additional relief such as mandatory anti-retaliation and harassment training for district employees. The suit also calls for a reevaluation of the district’s training procedures and the appointment of a professional to investigate future complaints .

The Cherry Hill School District has responded, stating: “We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every student and staff member. Our policies and practices are designed to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We will continue to uphold these standards and maintain a positive educational atmosphere throughout all of our schools.” The district has categorically denied all allegations of wrongdoing and stated it cannot comment further on pending litigation or personnel matters .

The case has drawn significant attention from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including calls for increased transparency, accountability, and systemic change in how schools address discrimination. Advocates stress that workplace harassment—especially when rooted in sexuality or gender identity—undermines not only individual well-being, but also the safety and inclusivity of the entire school community .

Student walkouts in support of Francis-Maurer have highlighted a growing awareness among youth and parents about the importance of affirming environments for LGBTQ+ staff and students. Such activism reflects a broader national movement demanding that educational institutions implement robust anti-discrimination policies and offer meaningful protections for marginalized groups .

Legal experts note that New Jersey’s state and federal anti-discrimination statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and state laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity, are central to the lawsuit’s claims. The outcome of the case may set precedent for how whistleblower protections and anti-retaliation policies are interpreted in school contexts .

As the case proceeds, Francis-Maurer’s suit is expected to prompt further scrutiny of Cherry Hill’s policies and the experiences of LGBTQ+ educators across New Jersey. The legal process will likely involve testimony from school officials, students, and staff, with community organizations monitoring the proceedings closely.

Queer networks and advocacy groups continue to offer support to Francis-Maurer and call for systemic reforms that will ensure schools remain places of dignity and respect for all identities. The Cherry Hill lawsuit stands as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by queer individuals in educational settings, and the critical role of visibility and advocacy in achieving equity and justice .