Bethesda, Maryland, December 1, 2025
A teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School is suing the principal and Montgomery County school system for allegedly making false accusations of racism. The lawsuit claims that Principal Shelton Mooney’s email to the school community defamed teacher Dan Engler without prior investigation. Engler is seeking over $75,000 in damages and argues that the school’s actions violated established procedures for handling hate bias incidents. The case has sparked discussions around racism in local schools and emphasizes the importance of due process in allegations of discrimination.
Bethesda, Maryland: Teacher Sues Over Alleged False Racism Accusation
Bethesda, Maryland – A teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School has filed a lawsuit against the school’s principal and the Montgomery County school system, alleging he was falsely accused of racism in a schoolwide email sent earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, seeks over $75,000 in damages and a declaration that the school’s actions violated district procedures.
Details of the Alleged Incident
In February, Principal Shelton Mooney sent an email to school families and staff, stating that a teacher had been accused of telling several African American students he was “unable to distinguish them from other African American students” in the classroom. The email emphasized that such behavior was “unacceptable and harmful,” aligning with the school’s values of respect and inclusivity. The teacher, identified in the lawsuit as Dan Engler, a White male, disputes these allegations and claims the email led to public defamation before any investigation was conducted.
Teacher’s Response and Legal Action
Engler, who remains employed by the school system but is currently on medical leave, asserts that the email’s description of the incident does not match his account. He contends that Principal Mooney did not consult him before sending the email and that the school’s actions violated Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) procedures for handling hate bias incidents. Engler is seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000 and a formal acknowledgment that the school’s actions were improper.
Background Context
The incident has sparked significant discussion within the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community. Some students have expressed support for Engler, while others have voiced concerns about the school’s handling of the matter. The case highlights ongoing challenges in addressing and resolving allegations of racism within educational institutions. As the lawsuit progresses, it is expected to bring further attention to the policies and practices of MCPS regarding such sensitive issues.
Related Incidents in the Community
This case is part of a broader pattern of racial tensions in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area. In October 2023, antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, was discovered at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School and Chevy Chase Elementary School. These incidents have prompted investigations by local authorities and have been met with condemnation from community leaders. Additionally, in 2013, Capital One agreed to pay $2.85 million to settle allegations that its subsidiary, Chevy Chase Bank, charged African American and Hispanic mortgage seekers higher interest rates and fees than white borrowers, a practice that lasted from 2006 to 2009. These events underscore the ongoing challenges the community faces in addressing issues of discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
Community’s Response and Next Steps
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase community continues to grapple with these incidents, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and effective policies to address discrimination. As the lawsuit unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for fair treatment, and seeking to implement measures that foster a more inclusive environment for all students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit involves a teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School who alleges he was falsely accused of racism in a schoolwide email sent by Principal Shelton Mooney. The teacher, Dan Engler, disputes the allegations and seeks damages and a declaration that the school’s actions violated district procedures.
Who is Dan Engler?
Dan Engler is a White male teacher employed by the Montgomery County school system. He is currently on medical leave from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and has filed a lawsuit against the school’s principal and the school system over alleged false accusations of racism.
What did Principal Mooney’s email state?
Principal Shelton Mooney’s email stated that a teacher had been accused of telling several African American students he was “unable to distinguish them from other African American students” in the classroom, describing such behavior as “unacceptable and harmful” and not in alignment with the school’s values of respect and inclusivity.
What is the teacher seeking in the lawsuit?
The teacher, Dan Engler, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000 and a formal acknowledgment that the school’s actions violated Montgomery County Public Schools’ procedures for handling hate bias incidents.
Have there been other incidents in the community?
Yes, in October 2023, antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, was discovered at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School and Chevy Chase Elementary School. Additionally, in 2013, Capital One agreed to pay $2.85 million to settle allegations that its subsidiary, Chevy Chase Bank, charged African American and Hispanic mortgage seekers higher interest rates and fees than white borrowers.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Alleged false accusation of racism against teacher Dan Engler |
| Accused | Dan Engler, White male teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School |
| Accuser | Principal Shelton Mooney |
| Lawsuit Filed | Montgomery County Circuit Court |
| Claims | Defamation, violation of district procedures |
| Damages Sought | Over $75,000 in compensatory and punitive damages |
| Community Response | Mixed reactions; ongoing discussions about handling of the matter |
| Related Incidents | Antisemitic graffiti found at local schools in October 2023; previous discrimination allegations against Chevy Chase Bank in 2013 |
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