Former Emporia High teacher Adam Moore’s federal discrimination lawsuit against USD 253 Emporia will take place earlier than first announced.
Initially, Moore was set for jury trial to take place starting May 4. Following a decision by District Judge Kathryn Vratil, trial will start Feb. 2 instead.
Moore filed his motion in December 2024, claiming his dismissal from his positions as Emporia High’s debate and forensics coach was a case of sex discrimination stemming from a series of alleged incidents starting with one student in February 2023. The lawsuit also mentions a second Title IX complaint by a second student for alleged misconduct dating to September 2022, but Moore says the student never wanted an investigation.
Moore’s contract was initially terminated during a board meeting in January 2024, with a no-contact directive and no access to district property without permission and supervision. Moore appealed. The board upheld the initial termination in March 2024.
Moore is seeking back pay, including wage increases and reimbursements for a range of benefits. He is also asking for front pay, or compensation when reinstatement is not an option, as well as financial offsets for pain and suffering, mental anguish, punitive damages, reasonable attorney fees and other items. The specific damages amount is not listed but is meant to exceed $75,000.
