Adam Moore’s federal discrimination lawsuit against USD 253 Emporia appears to be ending.
Last week, and following a settlement agreement, US District Judge Kathryn Vratil ordered attorneys on both sides to file a stipulation of dismissal by Nov. 10. If both sides reverse course and plan to reopen the case between now and Nov. 10, Vratil said trial will start Feb. 2 as previously scheduled.
The settlement, or Alternative Dispute Resolution, was apparently reached Oct. 2. Settlement details are not posted to the federal Public Access to Electronic Court Records website.
Moore’s had served as debate and forensics coach at Emporia High, but his contract was initially terminated during a board meeting in January 2024 after alleged misconduct with students. Moore appealed, but the board upheld the initial termination in March 2024. Moore then filed suit in December 2024, claiming his dismissal was a case of sex discrimination stemming from alleged incidents in September 2022 and February 2023. Moore had been seeking back pay, front pay and financial offsets for pain and suffering, mental anguish, punitive damages, attorney fees and other items.
