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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Federal Lawsuit Filed by Former Teacher
A former teacher at Addenbrooke Classical Academy in Lakewood has filed a federal lawsuit, asserting he was terminated in retaliation for reporting racist graffiti and threats aimed at students of color. Nicholas Newman, the school's former choir director, alleges that his dismissal stemmed directly from his effort to alert both school administrators and state authorities about racially charged hate speech and threats discovered on campus.
Details of the Incident and Reporting
According to the lawsuit, on May 2, 2025, Newman was made aware of graffiti in a school restroom that contained racial slurs, threats of sexual violence, and references to a slave auction. The graffiti reportedly included the names of five male students of color, intensifying concerns about student safety. Newman first reported the incident to school officials and then submitted a report to Colorado’s Safe2Tell program on May 4, seeking further action.
School’s Response and Termination of Employment
The legal complaint states that Newman was confronted by school administrators on May 15 about his Safe2Tell report. He was then given an ultimatum: resign voluntarily or remain employed under increased scrutiny. Despite receiving a prior invitation to return for the following school year, Newman was fired from his position on May 20, only 18 days after initially reporting the racial graffiti and associated threats.
Lawsuit Allegations Expand Beyond Racial Harassment
Newman’s lawsuit accuses Addenbrooke Classical Academy of not only failing to address the racist threats, but also of tolerating homophobic language and fostering a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff. The legal action names Principal John Byrne and former Executive Director Ric Netzer as defendants alongside the school itself. Newman is seeking lost wages, damages, and attorney’s fees.
Related Legal Action and School’s Public Statement
The same instance of racist graffiti from May 2025 is referenced in a separate lawsuit filed on behalf of a former student of color. In response to the litigation, a statement released by the school’s Public Relations Counselors emphasized that Addenbrooke Classical Academy disputes the claim that Newman was fired for reporting concerns about discrimination. According to the statement, after the offensive graffiti was discovered in April 2025, administrators restricted restroom access, conducted an internal investigation by interviewing students, and addressed the entire male student body about conduct expectations. The school noted that while those responsible were not identified, steps were taken to prevent further exposure to the graffiti and to promote a respectful environment.
Commitment to Safety and Ongoing Legal Process
The school’s statement further encouraged students, families, faculty, and staff to report any concerns related to discrimination or harassment. Addenbrooke Classical Academy affirmed its commitment to handling such matters appropriately and without retaliation. Due to the pending legal proceedings and confidentiality of personnel decisions, the school declined to offer additional comments, reiterating its dedication to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
Source: kdvr.com.
