Petition Directed To: Superintendent Marrero, Denver Public Schools

We, the outraged families and concerned community members, demand immediate action regarding the unjust termination of Mr. Kurt Dennis, the highly effective and respected principal of McAuliffe International School. We have had enough of the mishandling of our children's education and safety through the inaction and poor decisions made at the board and district level. We demand that you reinstate Mr. Dennis as the principal of our beloved school without delay.

It is clear that the recent termination of Mr. Dennis was a direct result of his bravery in speaking out against the district's de facto requirement for daily pat-downs of students accused of serious and violent crimes. He had the courage to expose the glaring flaws in this misguided policy, despite knowing the potential consequences. Mr. Dennis' actions were driven by a genuine concern for our children's well-being, and for that, he deserves our utmost support.

In addition, it is essential to highlight that no personal information was shared by Mr. Dennis when he brought attention to the issue through the media. According to legal expert David Lane, "Any government employee who is coming forward raising an issue of serious public concern – which is exactly what Kurt did – has complete 100% First Amendment protection." This makes it clear that Mr. Dennis acted within his rights as a concerned school administrator, exercising his freedom of speech to address the safety issues affecting our children.

Unfortunately, the actions taken by DPS against Mr. Dennis will have far-reaching consequences. As Lane warns, "What DPS is now doing will have a chilling effect on all of its employees at a time when school safety issues are being vigorously debated." By targeting Mr. Dennis and sending a termination letter, DPS is effectively silencing the voices of all school administrators, teachers, and employees, discouraging them from speaking up against critical issues. This sets a dangerous precedent and stifles open dialogue within the district.

The abrupt termination of Mr. Dennis has left our community devastated and betrayed. We refuse to accept this blatant injustice and demand accountability for this appalling decision. We, as angry parents, are ready to take a stand and fight for our children's right to a safe and effective educational environment.

By signing this petition, we send a powerful message to Superintendent Marrero and the Denver Public Schools administration. We demand that you review and reverse the termination of Mr. Kurt Dennis immediately. Our children deserve a principal who champions their safety, advocates for their best interests, and leads with integrity.

Join us in demanding justice for our children. Sign this petition and share it with your friends, neighbors, and fellow parents. Together, let's show Superintendent Marrero the strength of our community and our unwavering determination to secure the reinstatement of Mr. Dennis as the principal of McAuliffe International School. Our children's education and safety should never be compromised. Let us unite and fight for the leader our school deserves. Sign this petition today and demand the reinstatement of Mr. Kurt Dennis as the principal of McAuliffe International School.

Paul Ballenger & Eve Chen

For more information on Mr Dennis' termination, visit 9News latest reporting